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                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of The Williams
Companies, Inc. for the registration of 1,197,618 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 10,
1995, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
The Williams Companies, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                                     /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                         ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Tulsa, Oklahoma
September 21, 1995