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.          
          



                                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
          
          New Orleans, Louisiana,                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP   
          March 20, 1995