The Age of Mergers 117
cannot be withdrawn any more than the ties of a railroad
 can be torn up overnight.
Certain large industries have gained in public
confidence and consequently in the value of their securities
 by publishing ‘important information about
production, earnings, and expenditures. The motion
picture industry and the building industry in New
York are examples. The practice of retaining a
general supervisor to vouch to the public for the
honesty and decency of an industry's policies has
apparently met with success.
The financial reports of certain enlightened corporations,
 such as the United States Steel Corporation,
 General Motors, the Philadelphia Company,
the Standard Gas and Electric Company, the Consolidated
 Cement Corporation and others have especially
 met with general approval as meeting the needs
of the investor and the public. Some organizations
may find it practicable and profitable to satisfy as
fully the consumer interest, by securing independent
certifications as to their products, methods and designs.
 We already have certified milk and other food
and medicinal products, as to healthfulness, and certified
 elevators, boilers, and ships as to safety. The
process might be extended. Such certification might
be obtained under safeguards like those now thrown
about the investigations and reports of public accountants.
 They would represent a substantial advance
in the cause of truth in advertising, with a convincing
 appeal to the most important party in interest,
the consumers, in constantly broadening markets for