[DESCRIPTION]  EXHIBIT 23(a)
               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS  

[letterhead of Coopers & Lybrand]

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the use of our report dated March 4, 1998 with respect to the 
consolidated balance sheets of Fahnestock Viner Holdings Inc. for the years 
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the consolidated statements of 
operations, cash flows and retained earnings for each of the years in the 
three year period ended December 31, 1997 included in the 1997 Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.

/s/Coopers & Lybrand
Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada
March 30, 1998.