1

                                                                  EXHIBIT  23.1



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No.
33-99812, No. 33-99814, No. 33-99816, and No. 33-99848 of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 of our report dated January
22, 1999, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1998.




DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 4, 1999