The general manager is the chief executive and the chief in authority. While he is subject to the board of directors, on account of his wide experience and knowledge his judgment is usually followed. The other officers are appointed by him with the approval of the board, but, almost without exception, from persons who have served the bank in subordinate capacities. The general manager himself is nearly always a man who has passed through the hierarchy of positions from the bottom up, and is therefore thoroughly familiar with every detail of the bank's business and history. The inspector has charge of the examination of the branches, and this work is so carefully and thoroughly done that examination by public officials is not considered necessary, or regarded as desirable by most Canadian bankers. Regarding this matter, however, there are differences of opinion, and changes in the near future are not improbable. The managers of the branches are in strict subordination to the authority of the general manager, though they are necessarily allowed a large amount of discretionary authority in matters pertaining to the branch over which they preside. Unless prevented by distance, they are in daily communication with the head office or with one of its representatives. In the operation of the Canadian system, noteworthy features are the methods of controlling credits, of managing the issues and the reserves, and of securing unity or at least harmony of action. It is the usual practice in Canada for a business man to do all his banking with one institution. This practice is rendered possible because most of the banks are large enough to take proper care of almost any business establishment in the Dominion, and because experience has demonstrated its wisdom. The banks compete vigorously for new business but do not attempt to attract one anothers' customers. Indeed a customer who desires to change his banking connections is looked upon with suspicion and is subjected to a very careful examination by the bank that is asked to take him on, including a careful discussion of all the aspects of the matter with the bank he desires to leave. The result of this practice is that a man's banker is thoroughly familiar with his affairs, especially his credit relations, and at the same time feels under obligations to render him such support and guidance as he deserves. On account of this practice, also, commercial paper brokerage does not flourish in Canada. The notes of the Canadian banks constitute practically all of the hand-to-hand money of the country in denominations above two dollars. The one and two dollar denominations are supplied by Dominion notes--all but $30,000,000 of which are represented by gold coin or bullion--and the lower denominations by subsidiary silver supplied by the government.