EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Newell Rubbermaid
     Inc.'s Form 8-K dated March 24, 1999 and in Newell Co.'s previously 
     filed Form S-8 Registration Statements File Nos. 33-24447, 33-25196, 
     33-40641, 33-44957, 33-62047, 33-67632, 333-38621, 333-71747 and 
     333-74925, and Form S-3 Registration Statements File Nos. 33-46208, 
     33-64225, 333-47261, 333-53039, 333-71747, 333-74927 and 333-74929, of 
     our report dated January 30, 1998, with respect to the consolidated 
     balance sheets of Rubbermaid Incorporated and subsidiaries as of 
     December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements 
     of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for each of the years 
     in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, which report is 
     included in Newell Co.'s Form 8-K/A dated November 20, 1998.

     /s/ KPMG LLP

     Cleveland, Ohio
     March 24, 1999