Exhibit 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent accountants, we consent to the incorporation by reference
in this Current Report on Form 8-K/A, of our report dated January 29, 1996
included in UST Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 and to
all references to our Firm included in this Current Report.


                               /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                              
                                   Arthur Andersen LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 28, 1997