<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 7
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                         1,756,730<F1>
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                          218,076<F2>
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                            220,964<F2>
<EQUITIES>                                      85,583<F3>
<MORTGAGE>                                     236,377
<REAL-ESTATE>                                   84,282<F4>
<TOTAL-INVEST>                               2,474,555
<CASH>                                          36,089
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                              94,958
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                         207,585
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,944,511
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                702,582
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                                  0
<POLICY-OTHER>                                  38,942
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                        1,654,104<F5>
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                      0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           23,121
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     427,055
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,944,511
<PREMIUMS>                                      35,379
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             46,669
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                               2,823
<OTHER-INCOME>                                  23,133
<BENEFITS>                                      62,895
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                      8,666
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                               671<F6>
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 16,372
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,238
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,134
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    12,134
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.96
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.96
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                       0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                  0
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                    0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                                   0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                     0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                      0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                              0
<FN>
<F1>Debt securities held for sale represent FASB 115 available for sale
fixed maturity securities reported on a current value basis, and do not
include trading securities or securities held to maturity.
<F2>Debt securities represent FASB 115 held to maturity fixed maturity
securities, and do not include trading securities or securities available
for sale.
<F3>Equity securities include equity securities that are available for sale,
under FASB 115.
<F4>Real estate includes real estate joint ventures.
<F5>Policyholder funds include accumulated contract values as defined by FASB
97, dividend and coupon accumulations and other policyowner funds.
<F6>Underwriting expenses represent amortization of the value of purchased
insurance in force.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>