This circumstance, as well as the independent course which Mr.
Walter adopted in the discussion of foreign politics, explains in
some measure the opposition which he had to encounter in the
transmission of his despatches. As early as the year 1805, when
he had come into collision with the Government and lost the
Customs printing, The Times despatches were regularly stopped at
the outports, whilst those for the Ministerial journals were
allowed to proceed. This might have crushed a weaker man, but it
did not crush Walter. Of course he expostulated. He was
informed at the Home Secretary's office that he might be
permitted to receive his foreign papers as a favour. But as this
implied the expectation of a favour from him in return, the
proposal was rejected; and, determined not to be baffled, he
employed special couriers, at great cost, for the purpose of
obtaining the earliest transmission of foreign intelligence.
These important qualities--enterprise, energy, business tact, and
public spirit--sufficiently account for his remarkable success.
To these, however, must be added another of no small importance--
discernment and knowledge of character. Though himself the head
and front of his enterprise, it was necessary that he should
secure the services and co-operation of men of first-rate
ability; and in the selection of such men his judgment was almost
unerring.
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