Exhibit (23)(a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 23, 1995, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1994, and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Arthur Andersen LLP September 22, 1995 New York, NY