1
                                                                Exhibit 25.1

               Securities Act of 1933 File No.
                                              -------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1
               --------------------------------------------------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                       PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) / X /
               --------------------------------------------------

                         STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
                    A National Banking Association 31-0841368
                                                   ----------------
                                               (IRS Employer Identification No.)

425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio                                                        45202
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                             (Zip Code)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Nancy V. Kelly
                              Senior Vice President
                         Star Bank, National Association
                                425 Walnut Street
                             Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
                                 (513) 632-4390

           (Name, address, and telephone number of agent for services)
           -----------------------------------------------------------

                         AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

           Ohio                                         31-1422526
- -----------------------                       ---------------------------------
(State of Incorporation)                     (IRS Employer Identification No.)

One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH                        45202
- ----------------------------------------                      -----------
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)

                             Senior Debt Securities
                             ----------------------
                       (Title of the Indenture securities)
   2

1.        GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as Trustee --
          (a)     Name and address of each examining or supervising authority 
                  to which it is subject.

                      COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, WASHINGTON, D.C.
                      FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CLEVELAND, OHIO
                      FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.

         (b)      Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                      THE TRUSTEE IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST 
                      POWERS.

2.       AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.  If the obligor is an affiliate of the 
                                     trustee, describe each such affiliation.

                      THE OBLIGOR IS NOT AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING
                      ITS PARENT AND ANY AFFILIATES).

3.       VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE.  Furnish the following information as
                      to each class of voting securities of the trustee (and its
                      parent). As of _____________ (insert date within 31 days)

               Col A.                                  Col B
         ---------------                        -------------------
         (Title of Class)                      (Amount Outstanding)

4.       TRUSTEESHIPS UNDER OTHER INDENTURES. If the trustee is a
                  trustee under another Indenture under which any other
                  securities, or certificates of interest or participation in
                  any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, furnish
                  the following information:

                  (a)      Title of the securities outstanding under each such 
                           other indenture.

                  (b)      A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis
                           for the claim that no conflicting interest within the
                           meaning of Section 310(b)(1) of the Act arises as a
                           result of the trusteeship under any such other
                           indenture, including a statement as to how the
                           indenture securities will rank as compared with the
                           securities issued under such other indenture.

5.       INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES AND SIMILAR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE OBLIGOR 
                  OR UNDERWRITERS.
                  
                  If the trustee (including its parent and any other affiliates)
                  or any of the directors or executive officers of the trustee 
                  is a director, officer, partner, employee, appointee, or 
                  representative of the obligor or of  any underwriter for the 
                  obligor, identify each such person having any such connection 
                  and state the nature of each such connection.

                                       2
   3

6.       VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY
         AFFILIATE) OWNED BY THE OBLIGOR OR ITS OFFICIALS. Furnish the following
         information as to the voting securities of the trustee (including its
         parent and any affiliates) owned beneficially by the obligor and each
         director, partner and executive officer of the obligor:
                  As of _______________________ (insert date within 31 days)




                                                                            
         Col. A.                    Col. B.                   Col. C                    Col. D
                                                                                        Percentage of
                                                                                        Voting Securities
                                                                                        Represented by
                                                              Amount Owned              Amount Given
         Name of Owner       Title of Class                   Beneficially              in Col C
         -------------       --------------                   ------------              ------------------



7.       VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY 
         AFFILIATES) OWNED BY UNDERWRITERS OR THEIR OFFICIALS. Furnish the 
                  following information as to the voting securities of the 
                  trustee (including its parent and any affiliates) owned 
                  beneficially by each underwriter for the obligor and each 
                  director, partner, and executive officer of each such 
                  underwriter:
                           As of ___________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                            
         Col. A.                    Col B.                    Col. C                    Col. D
                                                                                        Percentage of
                                                                                        Voting Securities
                                                                                        Represented by
                                                              Amount Owned              Amount Given
         Name of Owner       Title of Class                   Beneficially              in Col C
         -------------       --------------                   ------------              ------------------


8.       SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS
         PARENT AND ANY AFFILIATES). Furnish the following information as to
         securities of the obligor owned beneficially or held as collateral
         security for obligations default by the trustee (including its parent
         and any affiliates):

                           As of ___________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                               
         Col. A                     Col. B                    Col. C                    Col. D
                                                              Amount Owned
                                    Whether the               Beneficially or
                                    Securities Are            Held as Collateral        Percent of
                                    Voting or                 Security for              Class Represented
                                    Nonvoting                 obligations in            .by Amount Given
         Title of Class             Securities                Default                   in Col. C.
         -------------              --------------            ------------------        ------------------


                                       3

   4

9.       SECURITIES OF UNDERWRITERS OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS
         PARENT AND ANY AFFILIATES). If the trustee (including its parent and
         any affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
         obligations in default any securities of an underwriter for the
         obligor, furnish the following information as to each class of
         securities of such underwriter any of which are so owned or held by the
         trustee:


                                                                            
         Col. A                     Col. B                    Col. C                    Col. D
                                                              Amount Owned
                                                              Beneficially or
                                                              Held as Collateral        Percent of
                                                              Security for              Class Represented
         Title of Issuer                                      Obligations in            by Amount
         and Title of               Amount                    Default by                Given in
         Class                      Outstanding               Trustee                   Col. C
         ---------------            -----------               -----------------         ------------------


10.      OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY
         AFFILIATES) OF VOTING SECURITIES OF CERTAIN AFFILIATES OR SECURITY
         HOLDERS OF THE OBLIGOR. If the trustee (including its parent and any
         affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
         obligations in default voting securities of a person who, to the
         knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10% or more of the voting securities
         of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a subsidiary, of the
         obligor, furnish the following information as to the voting securities
         of such person:

                  As of _______________________(insert date within 31 days)




                                                                                
         Col. A                     Col. B                    Col. C                    Col. D

                                                              Amount Owned
                                                              Beneficially or
                                                              Held as Collateral        Percent of
                                                              Security for              Class Represented
         Title of Issuer                                      Obligations in            by Amount
         and Title of               Amount                    Default by                Given in
         Class                      Outstanding               Trustee                   Col. C
         ---------------            -----------               -----------------         ------------------



11.       OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY
          AFFILIATES) OF ANY SECURITIES OF A PERSON OWNING 50 PERCENT OR MORE OF
          THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR. If the trustee (including its
          parent and any affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral
          security for obligations in default any securities of a person who, to
          the knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or more of the voting
          securities of the obligor, furnish the following information as to
          each class of securities of such person any of which are so owned or 
          held by the trustee (including its parent and affiliates):
                      As of ______________________(insert date within 31 days)

                                      4
   5




                                                                           
         Col. A                     Col. B                    Col. C                    Col. D
                                                              Amount Owned
                                                              Beneficially or
                                                              Held as Collateral        Percent of
                                                              Security for              Class Represented
         Title of Issuer                                      Obligations in            by Amount
         and Title of               Amount                    Default by                 Given in
         Class                      Outstanding               Trustee                   Col. C
         ---------------            -----------               ------------------        ------------------



12.       INDEBTEDNESS OF THE OBLIGOR TO THE TRUSTEE. Except as noted in the
          instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the trustee, furnish the
          following information: 
                    As of ____________________(insert date with 31 days)



                                                                                   
         Col. A                                      Col. B                             Col. C
                                                     Amount
         Nature of Indebtedness                      Outstanding                       Due Date
         ----------------------                      -----------                       --------


13.      DEFAULTS BY THE OBLIGOR.

                    a)        State whether there is or has been a default with
                              respect to the securities under this indenture.
                              Explain the nature of any such default.

                    b)        If the Trustee is a trustee under another
                              indenture under which any other securities, or
                              certificates of interest or participation in any
                              other securities, of the obligor are outstanding,
                              or is trustee for more than one outstanding series
                              or securities under the indenture, state whether
                              there has been a default under any such indenture
                              or series, identify the indenture or series
                              affected, and explain the nature of any such
                              default. 

                    As of ____________ (insert date within 31 days) 




                                                                            
         Col. A                     Col. B                    Col. C                    Col. D
                                                              Amount Owned
                                                              Beneficially or
                                                              Held as Collateral        Percent of
                                                              Security for              Class Represented
         Title of Issuer                                      Obligations in            by Amount
         and Title of               Amount                    Default by                Given in
         Class                      Outstanding               Trustee                   Col. C
         ---------------            -----------               -----------------         -----------------


14.      AFFILIATIONS WITH THE UNDERWRITERS. If any underwriter is an affiliate 
         of the

                                       5

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         trustee (including its parent and any affiliates), described each such
         affiliation.

15.      FOREIGN TRUSTEE. Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the
         foreign trustee is authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures
         qualified or to be qualified under the Act.

16.      LIST OF EXHIBITS. List below all exhibits filed as part of this
         statement of eligibility.

         1.       A copy of the Articles of Association of Star Bank, National
                  Association, as now in effect.

         2.       A copy of the certificate of authority of The First National
                  Bank of Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association) to
                  commence business dated September 1, 1922.

         3.       A copy of the authorization of The First National Bank of
                  Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association) to exercise
                  corporate trust powers.

         4.       A copy of existing By-Laws to Star Bank, National Association,
                  Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association)

         5.       The consent of the Trustee required by section 321 (b) of the
                  Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

         6.       A copy of the latest report of condition of Star Bank,
                  National Association, published pursuant to law or the
                  requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

                                        6


   7




                                    SIGNATURE

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of
         1939, the Trustee, Star Bank, National Association, a national banking
         association organized and existing under the laws of the United States
         of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed
         on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the
         City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio on the 6th day of
         February, 1997.

                                         STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                         By: /s/ Nancy V. Kelly
                                            ----------------------------------
                                                  Nancy V. Kelly
                                                  Senior Vice President

                                        7


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                                                                  EXHIBIT 1
                                                                  ---------
Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

Washington, D.C.  20219

                                   CERTIFICATE
                                   -----------

I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1.    The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et. 
seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession, custody and
control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and supervision
of all National Banking Associations.

2. "Star Bank, National Association", Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No.24), is a
National Banking Association formed under the laws of the United States and is
authorized thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this
Certificate.

                           IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto

                           subscribed my name and caused my name and

                           caused my seal of office to be affixed to these

           (SEAL)          presents at the Treasury Department, in the City of

                           Washington and District of Columbia, this 18th day

                           of December, 1996.

                           (Signed) Eugene A. Ludwig
                           Comptroller of the Currency

                                        8


   9








Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

Washington, D.C.  20219

                                   CERTIFICATE
                                   -----------

I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency hereby certify that the
document hereto attached is a true and complete copy, as recorded in this Office
of the currently effective Articles of Association for "Star Bank, National
Association", Cincinnati, Ohio, (Charter No. 24).

                             IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto

                             subscribed my name and caused my seal of office to

                             be affixed to these presents at the Treasury

                             Department, in the City of Washington and District

             (SEAL)          of Columbia, this 18th day of December, 1996.

                            (Signed)Eugene A. Ludwig
                             Comptroller of the Currency

                                       9


   10



                         STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                         -------------------------------
                         
                                 CHARTER NO. 24
                                 --------------

                             ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                             -----------------------

FIRST: The title of this Association shall be "Star Bank, National Association".

SECOND: The main office of the Association shall be in the city of Cincinnati,
County of Hamilton, State of Ohio. The general business of the Association shall
be conducted at its main office and its branches.


THIRD: The Board of Directors of this Association shall consist of not less than
five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) shareholders, the exact number of
Directors within such minimum and maximum limits to be fixed and determined from
time to time by resolution of a majority of the full Board of Directors or by
resolution of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Unless
otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, any vacancy in the Board of
Directors for any reason, including an increase in the number thereof, may be
filled by action of the Board of Directors.

FOURTH: The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Directors and
the transaction of whatever other business may be brought before said meeting
shall be held at the main office or such other place as the Board of Directors
may designate, on the day of each year specified thereof by the Bylaws, but of
no election is held on that day, it may be held on any subsequent day according
to the provisions of law; and all elections shall be held according to the
provisions of law; and all elections shall be held according to such lawful
regulations as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

FIFTH: The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
3,640,000 shares of common stock of the par value of five dollars ($5.00) each,
but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, in
accordance with the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall
have any pre-emptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any
class of stock of the Association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to
any obligations convertible into stock of the Association issued or sold, nor
any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the Board
of Directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such
price as the Board of Directors may from time to time fix.

The Association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt
obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the
shareholders.

SIXTH: The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members President of this
Association, who shall be Chairman of the Board, unless the Board appoints
another Director to be the 


                                       10
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Chairman. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint one or more
Vice Presidents; and to appoint a Cashier and such other officers and employees
as may be required to transact the business of this Association. The Board of
Directors shall have the power to define the duties of the officers and
employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to them; to dismiss
them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty thereof; to regulate the
manner in which any increase of the capital of the Association shall be made; to
manage and administer the business and affairs of the Association; to make all
bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make and generally to do and perform
all acts that it may be legal for a Board of Directors to do and perform.

SEVENTH: The Board of Directors, without need for approval of shareholders,
shall have the power to change the location of the main office of this
Association to any other place within the limits of Cincinnati, Ohio, without
the approval of the shareholders, and shall have the power to establish or
change the location of any branch or branches of the Association to any other
location, without the approval of the shareholders, but subject to the approval
of the Comptroller of the Currency.

EIGHTH: The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

NINTH: The Board of Directors of this Association, the Chairman of the Board,
the President, or any three of more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not
less than twenty-five percent of the stock of this Association, may call a
special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the
laws of the United States, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every
annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least ten days prior to the date of such
meeting to each shareholder of record at his address as shown upon the books of
this Association.

TENTH: Any person, his heirs, executors, or administrators, may be indemnified
or reimbursed by the Association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in
connection with any action, suit, or proceeding, civil or criminal, to which he
or they shall be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director,
officer, or employee of the Association or of any firm, corporation, or
organization which he served in any such capacity at the request of the
Association. Provided, however, that no person shall be so indemnified or
reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or proceeding as to
which he shall finally be adjudged to have been guilty of or liable for gross
negligence, willful misconduct or criminal acts in the performance of his duties
to the Association. And, provided further, that no person shall be so
indemnified or reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or
proceeding which has been made the subject of a compromise settlement except
with the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction, or the holders of record
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Association, or the Board of
Directors, acting by vote of Directors not parties to the same or substantially
the same action, suit or proceeding, constituting a majority of the whole number
of Directors. And, provided further, that no director, officer or employee shall
be so indemnified or reimbursed for expenses, penalties or other payments
incurred in an administrative proceeding or action instituted by an appropriate
bank regulatory agency where said proceeding or action results in a final order

                                       11
   12

assessing civil money penalties or requiring affirmative action by an individual
or individuals in the form of payments to this Association. The foregoing right
of indemnification shall not be exclusive of other rights to which such person,
his heirs, executors, or administrators, may be entitled as a matter of law. The
Association may, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of its Board of
Directors, purchase insurance for the purpose of indemnifying its directors,
officers and other employees to the extent that such indemnification is allowed
in the preceding paragraph. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit
of all directors, officers, or employees.

ELEVENTH: These Articles of Association may be amended at any regular or special
meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the stock of this Association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater
amount of stock is required by law and in that case by the vote of the holders
of such greater amount.

                                       12


   13

                                                                    EXHIBIT 2
                                                                    ---------

         COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEE TO COMMENCE
                                    BUSINESS:

                                     NO. 24

E Pluribus Unum

                               TREASURY DEPARTMENT

                      Office of Comptroller of the Currency

                                            Washington, D.C., September 1, 1992

     WHEREAS, the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled, "An Act to
amend section 5136, Revised Statutes of the United States, relating to corporate
powers of associations, so as to provide succession thereof for a period of
ninety-nine years or until dissolved, and to apply said section as so amended to
all national banking association", approved by the President on July 1, 1922,
provided that all national banking associations organized and operating under
any law of the United States on July 1, 1992 should have succession until
ninety-nine years from that date, unless such association should be sooner
dissolved by the act of its shareholders owning two-thirds of its stock, or
unless its franchise should become forfeited by reason of violation of law, or
unless it should be terminated by an Act of Congress hereinafter enacted;

     NOW THEREFORE, I, D. R. Crissinger Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby
certify that The First National Bank of Cincinnati and State of Ohio , was
organized and operating under the laws of the United States on July 1, 1922, and
that its corporate existence was extended for the period of ninety-nine years
from that date in accordance with and subject to the condition in the Act of
Congress hereinbefore recited.

(SEAL)                                    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, witness my hand
                                          and seal of office this First day of
                                          September 1922

                                          (Signed)  D. R. Crissinger
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                   Comptroller of the Currency

                                       13


   14



                                                                   EXHIBIT 3
                                                                   ---------

      THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRUSTEE TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS:

                              FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
                                Washington, D.C.

                                                             October 9, 1919

         Pursuant to authority vested in the Federal Reserve Board by the Act of
Congress approved December 23, 1913, known as the Federal Reserve Act, as
amended by the Act of September 26, 1918, the

                                         FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CINCINNATI

has been granted the right to act, when not in contravention of State or local
law, as TRUSTEE, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, REGISTRAR OF STOCKS AND BONDS,
GUARDIAN OF ESTATES, ASSIGNEE, RECEIVER OR IN ANY OTHER FIDUCIARY CAPACITY IN
WHICH STATE BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR OTHER CORPORATIONS WHICH COME INTO
COMPETITION WITH NATIONAL BANKS ARE PERMITTED TO ACT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF OHIO. The exercise of such rights shall be subject to regulations prescribed
by the Federal Reserve Board.

                             Federal Reserve Board,

                               By W. P. G. Harding
                                         Governor.

ATTEST:
W. T. Chapman
Secretary.

                                  STATE OF OHIO
                         DEPARTMENT OF BANKS AND BANKING
                         Certificate of Authority No. 17
                                 NATIONAL BANKS

         I, Philip C. Berg, Superintendent of Banks, do hereby certify that the
First National Bank of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio has complied with all
the requirements provided by law and is authorized to transact the business of a
trust company and to perform all the functions granted to such companies by the
laws of this state.

                      Given under my hand and official Seal at Columbus,
                      Ohio, this twenty-fifth day of November, A.D. 1919

                                   Philip C. Berg,
                                   Superintendent of Banks.

(SEAL)


   15
                                                                  EXHIBIT 4
                                                                  ---------
                                     BY-LAWS                      
                                     -------

                           STAR BANK, N.A., CINCINNATI
                           ---------------------------

                                    ARTICLE I
                                    ---------

                           MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
                           ------------------------

SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING
- ---------- --------------

The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held in the main banking house of
the Association at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday in February of each year.
Notice of such meeting shall be mailed to shareholders not less than ten (10)
nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date.

SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ---------- ----------------

Special meetings of shareholders may be called and held at such times and upon
such notice as is specified in the Articles of Association.

SECTION 3. QUORUM
- ---------- ------

A majority of the outstanding capital stock represented in person or by proxy
shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of the shareholders, unless otherwise
provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to
time, and the meeting amy be held as adjourned without further notice.

SECTION 4.  INSPECTORS
- ----------  ----------

The Board of Directors may, and in the event of its failure so to do, the
Chairman of the Board shall appoint Inspectors of Election who shall determine
the presence of a quorum, the validity of proxies, and the results of all
elections and all other matters voted upon by shareholders at all annual and
special meetings of shareholders.

SECTION 5. VOTING
- ---------- ------

In deciding on questions at meetings of shareholders, except in the election of
directors, each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of
stock held. A majority of votes cast shall decide each matter submitted to the
shareholders, except where by law a larger vote is required. In all elections of
directors, each shareholder shall have the right to vote the number of shares
owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or to
cumulate such shares and give one candidate as many votes as the number of
directors multiplied by the number

                                       15
   16


of his shares equal, or to distribute them on the same principle among as many 
candidates as he shall think fit.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------
SECTION 1.  TERM OF OFFICE
- ----------  --------------

The directors of this Association shall hold office for one year and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.

SECTION 2.  REGULAR MEETINGS
- ----------  ----------------

The organization meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held as soon as
practical following the annual meeting of shareholders at the main banking
house. Other regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held without
notice at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month except February, at the
main banking house, or, provided notice is given by telegram, letter, telephone
or in person to every Director, at such time and place as may be designated in
the notice of the meeting. When any regular meeting of the Board falls on a
holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day, unless the
Board shall designate some other day.

SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ---------- ----------------

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the
Board of the Association, or at the request of three or more Directors. Notice
of the time, place and purposes of such meetings shall be given by telegram,
letter, telephone or in person to every Director.

SECTION 4.  QUORUM
- ---------   ------

A majority of the entire membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of the Board.

SECTION 5. NECESSARY VOTE
- ---------- --------------

A majority of those Directors present and voting at any meeting of the Board of
Directors shall decide each matter considered, except where otherwise required
by law or the Articles or By-Laws of this Association.

SECTION 6. COMPENSATION
- ---------- ------------

Directors, excluding full-time employees of the Bank, shall receive such
reasonable compensation as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7.  ELECTION-AGE LIMITATION
- ---------   -----------------------

No person shall be elected or reelected a Director after reaching his seventieth
(70th) birthday, provided that any person who is a Director on December 10,
1985, may continue to be reelected a Director until he reaches his seventy-fifth
(75th) birthday.
                                       16

   17

SECTION 8   RETIREMENT-AGE LIMITATION
- ---------   -------------------------

Every Director of the Bank shall retire no later than the first month next
following his seventieth (70th) birthday, except for any person who was a
Director on December 10, 1985, who shall retire not later that the first of the
next month following his seventy-fifth (75th) birthday.

SECTION 9   DIRECTORS EMERITUS
- ---------   ------------------

The Board shall have the right from time to time to choose as Directors Emeritus
persons who have had prior service as members of the Board and who may receive
such compensation as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   -----------

                                    OFFICERS
                                    --------

SECTION 1  WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE
- ---------  --------------------

The Officers of the Association shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, a
Secretary, and other officers such as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Vice
Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Trust Officers, Trust Investment Officers,
Trust Real Estate Officers, Assistant Trust Officers, a Controller, Assistant
Controller, an Auditor and Assistant Auditors, as the Board may appoint from
time to time. Any person may hold two offices. The Chairman of the Board, all
Vice Chairmen of the Board and the President shall at all times be members of
the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2   TERM OF OFFICE
- ---------   --------------

All officers shall be elected for and shall hold office for one year and until
their successors are elected and qualified, subject to the right in the Board of
Directors by a majority vote of the entire membership to discharge any officer
at any time.

SECTION 3    CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD  (Amended 12/13/88-see attachment)
- ---------    ---------------------

The Chairman of the Board shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Association and shall have all duties, responsibilities and powers of the Chief
Executive Officer. He shall, when present, preside at all meetings of
shareholders and directors and shall be ex officio a member of all committees of
the Board. He shall name all members of the committees of the Board, subject to
the confirmation thereof by the Board.

In the event that there is a vacancy in the position of President or in the
event of the absence or incapacity of the President, the Chairman may appoint,
or in the event of his failure to do so, the Board of Directors or the Executive
Committee thereof may designate any Vice Chairman of the

                                       17
   18

Board, any Executive Vice President or any Senior Vice President of the
Association temporarily to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
Chairman as Chief Executive Officer when the Chairman is absent or
incapacitated.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect a Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Any such Chairman of the Executive Committee shall participate in the
formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the President or by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 4  PRESIDENT  (amended 12/13/88-see attachment)
- ---------  --------

The President shall participate in the formation and supervision of the policies
and operations of the Association and shall perform such other duties as may be
assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors or by the Chairman
of the Board. In the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the
Chairman of the Board, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Association and shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the
Chairman of the Board, including the same power to name temporarily a Chief
Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the President.

SECTION 5  CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- ---------  -----------------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect a Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Any such Chairman of the Executive Committee shall participate in the
formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the President or by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 6  VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD
- ---------  --------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect one or more Vice Chairmen
of the Board of Directors. Any such Vice Chairmen of the Board shall participate
in the formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other
duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chairman of the Board
or by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7  OTHER OFFICERS
- ---------  --------------

The Secretary and all other officers appointed by the Board of Directors shall
have such duties as defined by law and as may from time to time be assigned to
them by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8  RETIREMENT
- ---------  ----------

Every officer of the Association shall retire not later than the first of the
month next following his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday. The Board of Directors
may, in its discretion, set the retirement date and terms of retirement of an
officer at a date later than provided above.
                                       18

   19

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

                                   COMMITTEES
                                   ----------

SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- --------- -------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors in this Association to be known
as the Executive Committee. This Committee shall meet at 11:00 a.m. on the first
and fourth Tuesday of each month. It shall have all of the powers of the Board
of Directors between meetings of the Board, except as the Board only by law is
authorized to perform or exercise. All actions of the Executive Committee shall
be reported to the Board of Directors. In the event that any member of the
Executive Committee is unable to attend a meeting of that committee, the
Chairman of the Board or the President may, at his discretion, appoint another
Director to attend said meeting of the Executive Committee and for that meeting
to serve as a member of the Executive Committee with full power to act in place
of the absent regular member of the committee.

SECTION 2  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
- ---------  ----------------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors of this Association to be known
as the Compensation Committee who shall review the compensation of all Executive
Officers and those officers who participate in the Profit Sharing Pool as well
as fees for directors of the Association. They will recommend specific
compensation arrangements to the Board of Directors for their confirmation.

SECTION 3  COMMITTEE ON AUDIT
- ---------  ------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Committee on Audit, none of whose members shall be active officers of the
Association. This Committee shall make or cause to be made a suitable
examination of the affairs of the Association and the Trust Department at least
once during each period of twelve months. The results of such examination shall
be reported in writing to the Board at the next regular meeting thereafter
stating whether the Association and/or Trust Department is in a sound solvent
condition, whether adequate internal audit controls and procedures are being
maintained and make such recommendations as it deems advisable.

SECTION 4  TRUST COMMITTEE
- ---------  ---------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Trust Committee. The Trust Committee shall determine policies of the
Department and review actions of the Trust Investment Committee. All actions of
the Trust Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5  TRUST INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
- ---------  --------------------------

There shall be a standing committee of this Association to be known as the Trust
Investment Committee composed of officers of the Association. The Trust
Investment Committee OR SUCH 

                                       19
   20

OFFICERS AS MAY BE DULY DESIGNATED BY THE TRUST INVESTMENT COMMITTEE, shall pass
upon the acceptance of all trusts, the closing out or relinquishment of all
trusts and the making, retention, or disposition of all investments of trust
funds in conformity with policies established by the Trust Committee. Actions of
the Trust Investment Committee shall be reported to the Trust Committee.

SECTION 6  PENSION COMMITTEE
- ---------  -----------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors or officers of this Association
to be known as the Pension Committee, who shall have the powers and duties as
set forth in the Association's Employees' Pension Plan. A report of the
condition of the pension fund shall be submitted annually to the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7   OTHER COMMITTEES
- ---------   ----------------

The Chairman may appoint, from time to time, other committees for such purposes
and with such powers as he or the Board may direct.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                    ---------

                                      SEAL
                                      ----

SECTION 1  IMPRESSION
- ---------  ----------

The following is an impression of the seal of this Association.

August 25, 1988

                                       20
   21




RESOLVED, That Section 3 of Article III of the By-Laws of the Bank shall be
amended to read:

SECTION 3  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
- ---------  ---------------------

The Chairman of the Board shall have general executive powers and duties and
shall perform such other duties as amy be assigned from time to time by the
Board of Directors. In addition, unless the Board of Directors shall have
designated the President to be the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the
Board shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and
duties of the Chief Executive Officer. He shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of shareholders and directors and shall be ex officio a member of all
committees of the Board. He shall name all members of the committees of the
Board, subject to the confirmation thereof by the Board.

If he is Chief Executive Officer, in the event that there is a vacancy in the
position of President or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the
President, the Chairman may appoint, or in the event of his failure to do so,
the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee thereof may designate, any
Vice Chairman of the Board, any Executive Vice President or any Senior Vice
President of the Association temporarily to exercise the powers and perform the
duties of the Chairman as Chief Executive Officer when the Chairman is absent or
incapacitated.

If the President has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the President
or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the President, the Chairman
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and shall have all the
powers and perform all the duties of the President, including the powers to name
temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the Chairman.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Section 4 of Article III of the By-Laws of the bank shall
be amended to read:

SECTION 4  PRESIDENT
- ---------  ---------

The President shall have general executive powers and duties and shall perform
such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of
Directors. In addition, if designated by the Board of Directors, the President
shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and duties of
the Chief Executive Officer, including the same power to name temporarily a
Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the President if there is a
vacancy in the position of the Chairman or in the event of the absence or
incapacity of the Chairman.

If the Chairman has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the Chairman
of the Board or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and
shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the Chairman of the
Board, including the same power to name temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to
serve in the absence of the President.

                                       21
   22
                                                                   EXHIBIT 5
                                                                   ---------

                          THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                        REQUIRED BY 321(b) OF THE ACT

         Star Bank, National Association, the Trustee executing the statement 

of eligibility and qualification to which this Exhibit is attached does hereby

consent that reports of examinations of the undersigned by Federal, State,

Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the

Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor in accordance with the

provisions of 321 (b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
         
                                            STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                 2/5/96
            --------------                BY:      /s/ Nancy V. Kelly
                  Date                        ---------------------------------
                                                      Nancy V. Kelly
                                                      Senior Vice President

                                        22
   23



                                                                    EXHIBIT 6
                                                                    ---------

                        CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION
                         STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                             FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

            All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars.
            Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding
            as of the last business day of the quarter.



                                                   BALANCE SHEET
                                                                                                Dollar Amounts in
                                                                                                Thousands

ASSETS

                                                                                                  
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions
    a.  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin                                           $454,669
    b.  Interest-bearing balances                                                                           0

2.  Securities:
    a. Held-to-maturity securities                                                                    176,897
    b. Available-for-sale securities                                                                1,250,651

3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 
    in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreements subsidiaries,
    and in YBFs:
    a. Federal funds sold                                                                              25,000
    b. Securities purchased under agreements to resell                                                      0

4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve                             7,273,294

5.  Trading assets                                                                                        842

6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)                                          113,340

7.  Other real estate owned                                                                             2,685

8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies                                     0

9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding                                       18,482

10. Intangible assets                                                                                 214,871

11. Other assets                                                                                      176,875

12. Total assets                                                                                   $9,707,606





   24




        CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                        FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 CONTINUED

                                                                                     Dollar Amounts
                                                                                       in Thousands
                                                                                        
LIABILITIES

13. Deposits:

   a. In domestic offices                                                                    $7,763,842
      (1) Noninterest-bearing                                                                $1,463,070
      (2) Interest-bearing                                                                    6,300,772
   b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs                              40,179
      (1) Noninterest-bearing                                                                         0
      (2) Interest-bearing                                                                       40,179

14.    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements ro repurchase
in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
in IBFs:
    a. Federal funds purchased                                                                   733,055
    b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase                                             55,976

15. a.  Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                     646
    b.  Trading liabilities                                                                            0

16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less                                                 21,338
    b. With original maturity of more than one year                                                    0

17. Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalizated leases                              11,698

18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding                                      18,482

19. Subordinated notes and debentures                                                            148,556

20. Other liabilities                                                                            126,421

21. Total liabilities                                                                          8,920,193

22. Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus                                                   0

23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus                                                      0

24. Common Stock                                                                                  18,200

25. Surplus [exclude all surplus related to preferred stock]                                     263,293

26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves                                                    505,542
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale 
        securities                                                                                   378

27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments                                                0

28. Total equity capital                                                                         787,413

29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital                       $9,707,606