In the Comptroller's report for 1907 was a tabular statement showing the annual net earnings and dividends on the capital of national banks for the preceding thirty-eight years, based upon reports made to the Comptroller by the banks. The annual average net earnings and dividends paid were shown to be $66,647,167 and $50,660,236, respectively. The average rate of dividends for the thirty-eight years was 8.76 per cent, the average rate for the year 1905 being 9.02; for 1906,10.4, and for the ten months ending July 1, 1907, 11.8.

Reports and Examinations. Every national bank is required by law to make to the Comptroller not less than five sworn reports every year, showing in detail its resources and liabilities, and it is required to publish the reports in a local newspaper; also to make a sworn report of every dividend declared which also shows gross earnings, losses, expenses, and net profits.

The affairs of every bank are also examined about twice a year by an examiner, who verifies its assets and audits its accounts, and the examiner is empowered by law to examine every officer and employee of the bank under oath, if necessary, to find out its true condition.