Exhibit 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference of our report dated March 20, 1998  included in this Annual  Report on
Form 10-K, into the Company's  previously filed Registration  Statements on Form
S-8 (No. 333-43389, 33-09559 and 033-79996).


/s/  Arthur Andersen
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     (Arthur Andersen LLP)

New York, New York
March 26, 1998