EXHIBIT 23.1
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                 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 January 27, 1998 included and incorporated by reference
   in Newell Co.'s Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the year ended December
   31, 1997 and to all references to our Firm included in this
   registration statement.



                                      /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                      --------------------------------
                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   May 12, 1998