1

EXHIBIT 12

                   RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES



The following table sets forth the ratio of the Company's earnings
to fixed charges, on a consolidated basis, for the periods
indicated:



                    Year Ended December 31
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
  1999       1998        1997       1996       1995       1994
- - - - -    - - - -     - - - -    - - - -    - - - -    - - - -
                                           
  6.9X       6.8X        7.3X      8.1X<F1/>   6.6X<F2/>  7.7X


For purposes of this ratio, earnings have been calculated by
adding to income before income taxes the distributed earnings of
investees accounted for under the equity method and the amount of
fixed charges.  Fixed charges consist of interest on all
indebtedness, amortization of debt discounts and that portion of
rental expense deemed to represent interest.

<FN>
<F1/> The ratio for 1996 includes the gain from the sale of the St.
Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball Club, which increased income
before income taxes by $54.7 million.  Excluding this one-time gain,
the ratio would have been 7.9X.

<F2/> The ratio for 1995 includes the impact of the Tampa Brewery
shutdown and the reduction of beer wholesaler inventories.
Excluding these non-recurring items, the ratio would have been
7.6X.