EXHIBIT 23 


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 


               As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the     
          incorporation of our report incorporated by reference in this 
          Form 10-K into First Commerce Corporation's previously filed 
          Registration Statement File No. 2-97152 on Form S-8, 
          Registration Statement File No. 33-925 on Form S-8, Registration 
          Statement File No. 33-28002 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement 
          File No. 33-50150 on Form S-8.            
          
          
          
          
          
          New Orleans, Louisiana,                ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.     
          March 24, 1994