At the time that Walter undertook the management of the journal,
Europe was a vast theatre of war; and in the conduct of
commercial affairs--not to speak of political movements--it was
of the most vital importance that early information should be
obtained of affairs on the Continent. The Editor resolved to
become himself the purveyor of foreign intelligence, and at great
expense he despatched his agents in all directions, even in the
track of armies; while others were employed, under various
disguises and by means of sundry pretexts, in many parts of the
Continent. These agents collected information, and despatched it
to London, often at considerable risks, for publication in The
Times, where it usually appeared long in advance of the
government despatches.
The late Mr. Pryme, in his 'Autobiographic Recollections,'
mentions a visit which he paid to Mr. Walter at his seat at
Bearwood. "He described to me," says Mr.Pryme, "the cause of the
large extension in the circulation of The Times. He was the
first to establish a foreign correspondent. This was Henry Crabb
Robinson, at a salary of 300L. a year.... Mr. Walter also
established local reporters, instead of copying from the country
papers. His father doubted the wisdom of such a large
expenditure, but the son prophesied a gradual and certain
success, which has actually been realised."
Mr.
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