CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


      As independent public accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this  Registration  Statement of our report dated March 22, 1996
included in the Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1996, and to
all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement.

                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


   
Washington, D.C.
February 26, 1997