However, Barron was renowned for pushing for deep scrutiny of corporate financial records, and is thus considered the founder of modern financial journalism. Barron's personal credo, which he supposedly urged the "Journal" to print and follow, was ""The Wall Street Journal" must stand for what is best in Wall Street." For example, in 1913, he gave testimony to the Massachusetts Public Service Commission regarding a slush fund held by the New Haven Railroad. In 1920 he investigated Charles Ponzi, inventor of the Ponzi scheme, for "The Boston Post". His aggressive questioning and common-sense reasoning helped lead to Ponzi's arrest and conviction.