EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated October 24, 1997 included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements File No. 33-30695, No. 333-8969 and No. 333-11363. /s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York November 24, 1997