INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors Pilgrim Government Securites Income Fund, Inc.: In connection with the combined registration statement/proxy statement on Form N-14 for the Pilgrim Government Securites Income Fund, Inc., we consent to incorporation by reference of our report on the Pilgrim Government Securities Income Fund and to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Financial Highlights"in Exhibit B to the Prospectus. /s/ KPMG LLP Los Angeles, California December 20, 1999