Exhibit 99.1
                              ------------

                             [CONNING LOGO]



Investor Contact: Fred M. Schpero
                  or Paul Kopsky, Jr.
                  (314) 444-0715

Media Contact:    David Garino
                  (314) 982-1700

Internet:  http://www.conning.com


          CONNING CORPORATION COMMENTS ON ANNOUNCEMENT BY
          -----------------------------------------------
                       GENAMERICA CORPORATION
                       ----------------------

     ST. LOUIS, AUGUST 26, 1999 -- Conning Corporation (NASDAQ:CNNG)
today reported that its significant client and majority shareholder,
GenAmerica Corporation ("GenAmerica"), announced a definitive agreement
whereby GenAmerica will be acquired by the Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company ("MetLife"), headquartered in New York City.  The announcement
indicated that Metropolitan Life is planning to acquire GenAmerica and
its subsidiaries, including General American Life's existing ownership
of its publicly traded entities.

The announcement indicated MetLife intends to maintain GenAmerica's
headquarters in St. Louis, preserving and building upon General
American's franchises and brand names, with particular emphasis on life
insurance, asset management, and life reinsurance operations.

The acquisition announcement by GenAmerica is not expected to have any
immediate impact on Conning's core businesses. General American remains
as a significant asset management client of the Company.   Conning will
work with General American and MetLife management through the transition
process in order to identify additional complementary opportunities that
will enhance the entire global franchise.






Add One

Leonard M. Rubenstein, Conning's chairman, president and chief executive
officer, stated, "The announcement by our significant owner is an
exciting development for GenAmerica, with opportunities for the Conning
businesses.  I believe this announcement clears up any uncertainty with
respect to Conning's ability to continue as a valuable franchise and
deliver the high quality service and expertise expected by our clients."
He added, "We look forward to expanding relationships with our new
partner while our management team remains focused on serving clients and
building products, ultimately generating value for Conning
shareholders."

GenAmerica Corporation is a holding company whose operations include
General American Life Insurance Company, with approximately $29 billion
in assets.  Metropolitan Life is a leading provider of financial
services to a broad spectrum of individual and group customers.  MetLife
has over $357 billion worth of assets under management, and serves over
33 million people by providing investment products and group insurance
to corporations and other institutions.


Conning provides asset management services primarily to insurance
companies and institutional investors with approximately $32 billion in
discretionary assets under management, manages private equity funds
investing in insurance and insurance-related companies, and conducts in-
depth research on the insurance industry.


     The preceding discussions of expected future results may
constitute forward-looking statements.  Actual results could differ from
expected results due to various factors, including whether final costs
exceed estimates, revenue contributions from transactions and
acquisitions have been projected accurately, and other factors discussed
in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                # # #