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history of banking in this country. No better evidence can be given of the practicality and efficacy of our banking laws and of the system of supervision established thereunder.

GENERAL CONDITION.

Among the principal elements considered in determining the condition of a bank are its capital and surplus, and their proportion to the amount of deposits; responsibility of the stockholders; kind and quality of the assets and the frequency of their metamorphoses; volume of business as a profit-producing factor; methods of conducting business, including prompt and intelligent compliance with the provisions of law; style and system of bookkeeping and accounting; efficiency of employes; personality of officials and activity of directors, together with the quality of service given to the public.

All of these elements and many others of minor importance are delved into and brought out clearly at each of the semiannual examinations made at irregular intervals by the examiners of this department.

The task of an examiner is as difficult as it is important. The responsibility attached to his work is great and ever present. Only men equipped with the necessary mental and moral qualifications, and possessing proper business training and experience can become efficient bank examiners. Sound judgment, a keen sense of justice, quickness of perception, firmness combined with tact, are some of the requisites of a successful examiner. He must be master of the technique of the work behind the counter. He must be resourceful, patient, and alert. His bearing must correspond in dignity to his task-that of being the bank's impartial adviser in addition to being its impartial critic.

The duties of a bank examiner involve expert work of the subtlest quality. Moreover, it is incessant, hard work, with traveling between work, with only occasional visits to the home and family. Of those that undertake this work some become useful; few become expert.

I am happy to say that the bank examiners of this department are rendering to the state expert service of high degree

OF THE

COMMISSIONER OF BANKING

ON

State Banks, Mutual Savings Banks and
Trust Companies

OF WISCONSIN

SHOWING THE CONDITION OF ALL BANKS AND TRUST
COMPANIES IN THE STATE AT THE CLOSE OF
BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 26, 1912.

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