UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

             QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                      For the Period Ended: March 31, 1998

                         Commission File Number 01-16532

               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its governing instruments)

              Delaware                            13-3486106
      (State or other jurisdiction      (IRS Employer Identification No.)
    of incorporation or organization)

                           1345 Avenue of the Americas
                            New York, New York 10105
              (Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(212) 979-1000

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

        Title of each class         Name of each exchange on which registered
               None                              Not Applicable

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
                      Units of Limited Partnership Interest
                                (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No.

Selected  information  from the Prospectus,  dated July 15, 1988, and filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 19, 1988 (File No. 33-20093),  is
incorporated  by reference into Parts I, II and III of this Quarterly  Report on
Form 10-Q.


<PAGE>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                           Page
Item 1.  Financial Statements

Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Partners'
  Capital as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997        5

Statements of Operations - For the Three Months
  Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997                             6

Statements of Changes in Net Assets - For the Three
  Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997                      7

Statements of Cash Flows - For the Three Months Ended
  March 31, 1998 and 1997                                   8

Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital -
  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998                 9

Schedule of Portfolio Investments - March 31, 1998         10

Supplemental Schedule of Realized Gains and Losses
  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998                13

Notes to Financial Statements                              14


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations     20


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits                                          23



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
             STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                                  (UNAUDITED)


<S>                                                             <C>                   <C>                    <C>
ASSETS:                                                              Notes              March 31, 1998          December 31, 1997
                                                                 ---------              --------------          -----------------
    Investments                                                   2,10,12
        Enhanced Yield Investments at Value-
            Managed Companies
               (amortized cost of $12,155,290 at
               March 31, 1998 and $12,155,290
               at December 31, 1997)                                                    $      939,594         $      4,847,290
            Non-Managed Companies
               (amortized cost of $9,613,980 at
               March 31, 1998 and $10,367,470
               at December 31, 1997)                                                         1,947,290                4,884,451
        Temporary Investments
               (at amortized cost)                                                           7,700,000                6,898,850

    Cash                                                                                        49,742                   24,028
    Interest Receivable                                            2,12                          2,683                   19,322
    Receivable on Investment Sold                                  2,10                        235,261                        -
    Note Receivable                                                 3,4                        825,076                  832,534

TOTAL ASSETS                                                                            $   11,699,646         $     17,506,475
                                                                                        ==============         ================


LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

    Liabilities                                                                                          
        Professional Fees Payable                                    9                  $       40,905         $         52,721
        Independent General Partners' Fees Payable                   8                           9,400                    9,788
        Fund Administrative Expenses Payable                         7                          42,611                   38,958
        Other Accrued Liabilities                                                                2,406                    2,847
            Total Liabilities                                                                   95,322                  104,314

    Partners' Capital
        Managing General Partner                                    3,4                        669,342                  717,018
        Limited Partners (221,072 Units)                             4                      10,934,982               16,685,143
            Total Partners' Capital                                                         11,604,324               17,402,161

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL                                                 $   11,699,646         $     17,506,475
                                                                                        ==============         ================



             See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                                            <C>                     <C>
                                                                                     For the Three Months Ended
                                                                                     --------------------------
                                                                              March 31, 1998              March 31, 1997
                                                                              --------------              --------------
INVESTMENT INCOME- Notes 2,12:
      Interest                                                                $       86,235              $   1,172,266
      Dividend                                                                             -                     60,536
                    TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME                                           86,235                  1,232,802

EXPENSES:
      Investment Advisory Fee- Note 6                                                218,587                    250,434
      Fund Administration Fees and Expenses- Note 7                                   84,384                     57,831
      Independent General Partners'
       Fees and Expenses - Note 8                                                     37,700                     35,000
      Professional Fees - Note 9                                                      12,125                     88,618
      Valuation Expenses                                                               1,200                      2,700
                    TOTAL EXPENSES                                                   353,996                    434,583

NET INVESTMENT (LOSS) INCOME                                                        (267,761)                   798,219

NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION
      ON INVESTMENTS- Note 12                                                     (6,091,334)               (14,949,252)

NET REALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS- Note 10                                         2,337,292                 12,656,880

NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
      RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS                                               $   (4,021,803)             $  (1,494,153)
                                                                              ==============              =============



               See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                       STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                                             <C>                        <C>
                                                                                               For the Three Months Ended
                                                                                               --------------------------
                                                                                        March 31,1998               March 31,1997
                                                                                        -------------               -------------
     FROM OPERATIONS:

         Net Decrease in Net Assets
           Resulting from Operations                                                    $  (4,021,803)              $  (1,494,153)

         Cash Distributions to Partners                                                    (1,768,576)                (16,012,999)

         Reduction in Managing General Partners'
           Contribution                                                                        (7,458)                    (47,760)

         Total Decrease                                                                    (5,797,837)                (17,554,912)

     NET ASSETS:

         Beginning of Period                                                               17,402,161                  85,429,641

         End of Period                                                                 $   11,604,324               $  67,874,729
                                                                                       ==============               =============


               See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                                                       STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                              (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                                               <C>                      <C>
                                                                                                For the Three Months Ended
                                                                                                --------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                                             March 31, 1998              March 31, 1997
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                   --------------              --------------
       Interest and Discount Income                                                     $        7,561              $    5,778,306
       Fund Administration Fees & Expenses                                                     (80,731)                    (68,085)
       Investment Advisory Fee                                                                (218,587)                   (155,328)
       Independent General Partners' Fees and Expenses                                         (38,088)                    (42,638)
       Valuation Expenses                                                                       (1,641)                     (2,531)
       Sale (Purchase) of Temporary Investments, Net                                          (705,837)                (24,905,926)
       Proceeds from Sales and Principal Payments of                                                       
            Enhanced Yield Investments                                                       2,855,553                  35,504,946
       Professional Fees                                                                       (23,940)                    (85,353)
       Insurance Fees                                                                                -                      (2,615)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                                    1,794,290                  16,020,776
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       Cash Distributions to Partners                                                       (1,768,576)                (16,012,999)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities                                                       (1,768,576)                (16,012,999)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash                                                                 25,714                       7,777
Cash at the Beginning of the Period                                                             24,028                      62,948
Cash at the End of the Period                                                           $       49,742              $       70,725
                                                                                        ==============              ==============


                          RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
                                 OPERATIONS TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net Decrease In Net Assets
     Resulting From Operations                                                          $   (4,021,803)             $   (1,494,153)

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
       Resulting from Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating
       Activities:
Decrease in Investments                                                                       (187,574)                 (2,057,861)
(Increase) Decrease in Accrued Interest and Investment Income                                  (78,675)                  4,545,505
Decrease in Prepaid Expenses                                                                         -                      95,275
Decrease in Other Accrued Liabilities                                                             (441)                    (10,254)
Increase (Decrease) in Fund Administration Expenses Payable                                      3,653                      (2,615)
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Investments                                         6,091,334                  14,949,252
Decrease in Independent General Partners' Fees Payable                                            (388)                     (7,638)
(Decrease) Increase in Professional Fees Payable                                               (11,816)                      3,265
Total Adjustments                                                                            5,816,093                  17,514,929
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                               $    1,794,290              $   16,020,776
                                                                                        ==============              ==============

 
               See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

</TABLE>



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                       <C>          <C>                      <C>                 <C>
                                                                            Managing               Limited
                                                            Notes        General Partner           Partners             Total
                                                           --------      ---------------          ------------        ----------


FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
                                                                                                                             
Partners' Capital at January 1, 1998                                       $   717,018         $ 16,685,143         $   17,402,161
Cash Distributions to Partners                                                       -           (1,768,576)            (1,768,576)
Reduction in Managing General Partners' Contribution            3               (7,458)                   -                 (7,458)
Allocation of Net Investment Income                            11               (2,678)            (265,083)              (267,761)
Allocation of Net Unrealized Depreciation
  on Investments                                               12              (60,913)          (6,030,421)            (6,091,334)
Allocation of Net Realized Gains on Investments                                 23,373            2,313,919              2,337,292
Partners' Capital at March 31, 1998                                        $   669,342         $ 10,934,982         $   11,604,324
                                                                           ===========         ============         ==============





               See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                                                       SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
                                                                March 31, 1998
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)

<S>                 <C>                                            <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
    PRINCIPAL                                                      INVESTMENT   INVESTMENT    AMORTIZED      VALUE      % OF TOTAL
  AMOUNT/SHARES                            INVESTMENT                 DATE         COST          COST       (NOTE 2)    INVESTMENTS
------------------ ----------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------ ------------- -----------

                   ENHANCED YIELD INVESTMENTS
                   MANAGED COMPANIES


                   MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING

                   QUANTEGY ACQUISITION CORP. 
                    (FORMERLY AMPEX RECORDING MEDIA)
    123.50 Shares  Quantegy Acquisition Corp., Common Stock        11/13/95    $  2,722,290   $ 2,722,290  $    408,344
                                                                               ------------   -----------  ------------
                                                                                  2,722,290     2,722,290       408,344        3.86
                                                                               ------------   -----------  -------------------------
                   LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS

                   LEATHER U.S., INC. - NOTE 12
                     (FORMERLY UNITED STATES LEATHER HOLDINGS, INC.)
     621.90 Shares Leather U.S., Inc., Common Stock                 04/09/96     7,308,000      7,308,000              0
                                                                               -----------   ------------    -----------
                                                                                 7,308,000      7,308,000              0       0.00
                                                                               -----------   ------------    ----------------------
                    MISCELLANEOUS RETAIL

                     R&S/STRAUSS, INC.
                     (FORMERLY WSR ACQUISITION CORP.)
   $       935,000   R&S/Strauss, Inc.,
                      Sr. Sub. Nt. 15% due 05/31/00* (a)            06/13/90       935,000       935,000       233,750
   $     1,190,000   R&S/Strauss, Inc.,
                      Sr. Sub. Nt. 15% due 05/31/00* (a)            06/13/90     1,190,000     1,190,000       297,500
                                                                               -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                 2,125,000     2,125,000       531,250         5.02
                                                                               -----------   -----------   ------------------------



                     TOTAL INVESTMENT IN  MANAGED  COMPANIES                   $12,155,290   $12,155,290   $   939,594         8.88%
                     ---------------------------------------                   -----------   -----------   -------------------------


</TABLE>
                             See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                                        SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
                                                March 31, 1998
                                            (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
<S>                 <C>                                          <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
    PRINCIPAL                                                      INVESTMENT   INVESTMENT    AMORTIZED      VALUE       % OF TOTAL
  AMOUNT/SHARES                    INVESTMENT                         DATE         COST         COST        (NOTE 2)     INVESTMENTS
-------------------  -------------------------------------------- ------------  ---------- ------------- ------------- -------------

                     NON-MANAGED  COMPANIES

                     DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

                     WESTERN PIONEER, INC. - NOTE 12
   $     4,730,000   Western Pioneer, Inc.,
                       Sr. Sub. Nts. 10% due 11/30/07*(a)           11/30/94     $ 653,289    $   653,289    $ 1,419,000
     81,081 Warrants Western Pioneer, Inc.,
                       Common Stock Purchase Warrants **            11/30/94             0              0              0
                                                                                 ---------    -----------    -----------
                                                                                   653,289        653,289      1,419,000      13.40
                                                                                 ---------    -----------    ----------------------
                     MISCELLANEOUS RETAIL

                     PERGAMENT HOME CENTERS, INC.- NOTES 10, 12
   $     2,543,200   Pergament Acq. Corp., Home Centers, Inc.
                      Floating Rate Demand Note due 07/31/00*(a)     10/18/91    2,228,691      2,228,691       528,290
      299.2 Shares   Pergament Holdings, Corp.,
                      Common Stock Class B **                        02/28/89    6,732,000      6,732,000             0
     106.778 Shares  Pergament Holdings, Corp.,
                      Common Stock Class C **                        02/28/89            0              0             0
                                                                               -----------    -----------   -----------
                                                                                 8,960,691      8,960,691       528,290        4.99
                                                                               -----------    -----------   -----------------------


                     TOTAL INVESTMENT IN NON-MANAGED  COMPANIES                $ 9,613,980    $ 9,613,980   $ 1,947,290       18.39%
                     ------------------------------------------                 ----------    -----------   ------------------------


                     TOTAL INVESTMENT IN ENHANCED YIELD INVESTMENTS            $21,769,270    $21,769,270   $ 2,886,884       27.27%
                     ----------------------------------------------            -----------    -----------   ------------------------
</TABLE>


                             See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                                        SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS
                                                 March 31, 1998
                                            (CONCLUDED) (UNAUDITED)

<S>                 <C>                                          <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>

    PRINCIPAL                                                      INVESTMENT     INVESTMENT    AMORTIZED       VALUE   % OF TOTAL
  AMOUNT/SHARES                    INVESTMENT                         DATE          COST          COST        (NOTE 2)   INVESTMENTS
-------------------  ------------------------------------------   ------------   -----------  ------------  ---------- -------------



                     TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

                     COMMERCIAL PAPER

   $     6,900,000   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Disc Note,
                       5.90% due 4/01/98                            3/31/98    $  7,698,738   $    7,700,000   $  7,700,000
                                                                               ------------   --------------   ------------
                     TOTAL INVESTMENT IN COMMERCIAL PAPER                      $  7,698,738   $    7,700,000   $  7,700,000   72.73%
                     ------------------------------------                      ------------   --------------   --------------------


                     TOTAL TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS                               $  7,698,738   $    7,700,000   $  7,700,000   72.73%
                     ---------------------------                               ------------   --------------   --------------------

                     TOTAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO                                $ 29,468,008   $   29,469,270   $ 10,586,884  100.00%
                     --------------------------                                ============   ==============   ====================




                     SUMMARY OF  INVESTMENTS
                     Subordinated Notes                                        $  5,006,980   $    5,006,980   $  2,478,540   23.41%
                     Common Stock and Warrants                                   16,762,290       16,762,290        408,344    3.86
                     Temporary Investments                                        7,698,738        7,700,000      7,700,000   72.73
                                                                               ------------   --------------   --------------------

                     TOTAL INVESTMENT IN ENHANCED YIELD INVESTMENTS            $ 29,468,008   $   29,469,270   $ 10,586,884  100.00%
                     ----------------------------------------------            ============   ==============   ====================


                       * Restricted Security
                      ** Restricted Non-income Producing Security
                     (a) Non-accrual investment status.

</TABLE>
                             See the Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
               SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES
                    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                              <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>
                                                                   PAR VALUE OR
                                                   DATE OF          NUMBER OF     AMORTIZED         NET             REALIZED
SECURITY                                         TRANSACTION          SHARES        COST         PROCEEDS         GAIN (LOSS)


Lexmark International Group, Inc. 
   Common Stock                                     various            69,683   $   464,555   $ 2,801,847        $ 2,337,292


MTI Holding Inc.
   12% Sr. Sec. Note                                 3/12/98         $113,386       113,386       113,386                 -
   Common Stock                                                         8,125       121,875       121,875                 -
   Common Stock Purchase Warrants                                       2,264             -             -                 -   


Total Net Realized Gains for the
   Three Months Ended March 31, 1998                                            $   699,816   $ 3,037,108        $ 2,337,292
                                                                                ===========   ===========        ===========



               See the Accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
               EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1998
                                   (UNAUDITED)

1.  Organization and Purpose

      Equitable  Capital  Partners,  L.P.  (the  "Fund")  was formed  along with
Equitable Capital Partners  (Retirement  Fund), L.P. (the "Retirement Fund," and
collectively  with the Fund referred to as the "Funds") and the  Certificates of
Limited  Partnership  were filed  under the  Delaware  Revised  Uniform  Limited
Partnership Act on February 2, 1988. The Funds' operations  commenced on October
13, 1988.

     On July 22, 1993,  Equitable  Capital  Management  Corporation  ("Equitable
Capital"),  formerly the Managing General Partner and investment  adviser of the
Funds,  transferred   substantially  all  of  the  assets  comprising  Equitable
Capital's business to Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance  Capital") and
its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Alliance  Corporate  Finance Group  Incorporated
("Alliance  Corporate").  In  connection  with  such  transaction,  the  limited
partners (the "Limited Partners") of the Funds voted to approve a new investment
advisory  agreement  between the Funds and Alliance  Corporate and also voted to
admit  Alliance  Corporate as Managing  General  Partner of the Funds to succeed
Equitable  Capital.  Accordingly,  on July 22,  1993,  the  closing  date of the
transaction  described  above,  (i)  Alliance  Corporate  was  admitted  as  the
successor Managing General Partner of the Funds, (ii) Equitable Capital withdrew
from the Funds as Managing  General  Partner and assigned all of its interest as
General  Partner to Alliance  Corporate and (iii) Alliance  Corporate  succeeded
Equitable  Capital  as the  investment  advisor to the Funds  pursuant  to a new
investment advisory agreement.  Alliance Corporate (the "Investment Adviser") is
a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

      Prior to July 22, 1993, Equitable Capital was responsible,  subject to the
supervision of the independent  general partners of the Funds (the  "Independent
General Partners"), for the management of the Funds' investments. As of July 22,
1993,  Alliance  Corporate  assumed  such  responsibilities  in its  capacity as
Managing General Partner and Investment Adviser of the Funds.

     The Funds elected to operate as business  development  companies  under the
Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended.  The Funds seek current  income and
capital  appreciation  potential  through  investments in  privately-structured,
friendly  leveraged  acquisitions  and other leveraged  transactions.  The Funds
pursued this objective by investing  primarily in subordinated  debt and related
equity securities  ("Enhanced Yield Investments") issued in conjunction with the
"mezzanine   financing"  of  friendly   leveraged   acquisitions  and  leveraged
recapitalizations.

      As stated in the Partnership Agreement, the Retirement Fund will terminate
on October 13, 1998, subject to the right of the Independent General Partners to
extend  the  term of the  Retirement  Fund  for up to two  additional  one  year
periods,   after  which  the  Retirement   fund  will  liquidate  any  remaining
investments within five years.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

    For financial  reporting  purposes,  the Fund's records are maintained using
the accrual method of accounting.

Valuation of Investments

     Securities  are valued at market or fair  value.  Market  value is used for
securities  for which market  quotations are readily  available.  For securities
without a readily  ascertainable  market value,  fair value is determined,  on a
quarterly  basis, in good faith by the General  Partners of the Retirement Fund.
In  connection  with  such  determination,  the  Managing  General  Partner  has
established a valuation  committee  comprised of senior executives to assess the
Retirement Fund's portfolio and make recommendations  regarding the value of the
Retirement Fund's portfolio securities.  This valuation committee uses available
market information and appropriate  valuation  methodologies.  In addition,  the
Managing  General  Partner has  retained  Arthur D.  Little,  Inc., a nationally
recognized independent valuation consultant, to review such valuations.
<PAGE>
    For privately  issued  securities  in which the  Retirement  Fund  typically
invests,  the fair value of an  investment  is its initial  cost,  adjusted  for
amortization of discount or premium and as subsequently  adjusted to reflect the
occurrence of significant developments. "Significant developments" are business,
economic or market events that may affect a company in which an  investment  has
been made or the securities comprising such investment. For example, significant
developments  that could  result in a writedown  in value  include,  among other
things,  events  of  default  with  respect  to  payment  obligations  or  other
developments indicating that a portfolio company's performance may fall short of
acceptable  levels.  A writeup in value of an investment could take place when a
significant favorable development occurs, such as a transaction representing the
partial sale of an  investment  that would result in a capital  gain, or company
performance exceeding expected levels on a sustained basis. Although the General
Partners  use  their  best  judgment  in  determining  the fair  values of these
investments, there are inherent limitations in any valuation technique involving
securities of the type in which the Retirement Fund invests. Therefore, the fair
values presented  herein are not necessarily  indicative of the amount which the
Retirement Fund could realize in a current transaction.

    Temporary  Investments  with  maturities  of 60 days or less are  valued  at
amortized cost, which  approximates  market value.  Temporary  Investments which
mature in more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily  available,
are valued at the most recent bid price or the equivalent  quoted yield obtained
from one or more of the market makers.

    Interest Receivable on Investments

    Investments will generally be placed on non-accrual status in the event of a
default  (after  applicable  grace period  expires) or if the  Managing  General
Partner  determines  that  there  is no  reasonable  expectation  of  collecting
interest.

    Payment-In-Kind Securities

    All  payment-in-kind  securities  received in lieu of cash interest payments
from the  Retirement  Fund's  portfolio  companies  are  recorded at face value,
unless the  Managing  General  Partner  determines  that there is no  reasonable
expectation of collecting the full principal amounts of such securities.

    Income Taxes

     As discussed in Note 13, no provision  for income taxes has been made since
all  income  and  losses  are  allocated  to  the  Retirement   Fund's  partners
("Partners") for inclusion in their respective tax returns.

    Investment Transactions

    Enhanced Yield Investments - The Retirement Fund records transactions on the
date on which it  obtains  an  enforceable  right to demand  the  securities  or
payment thereof.

    Temporary  Investments - The  Retirement  Fund records  transactions  on the
trade date.

    Realized  gains and losses on  investments  are  determined  on the basis of
specific identification for accounting and tax purposes.

    Sales, Marketing and Offering Expenses and Sales Commissions

    Sales  commissions and selling discounts have been allocated to the specific
Partners' accounts to which they are applicable.  Sales,  marketing and offering
expenses are  allocated  between the Funds in  proportion to the number of units
issued  by  each  Fund  and to the  Partners  in  proportion  to  their  capital
contributions.
<PAGE>
3.  Note Receivable

     On July 22, 1993,  pursuant to the terms of the  Retirement  Fund's Amended
and  Restated  Agreement  of Limited  Partnership,  Alliance  Corporate,  as the
successor  Managing  General  Partner of the Retirement  Fund, has contributed a
non-interest  bearing  promissory note (the "Note") to the Retirement Fund in an
aggregate  amount equal to 1.01% of the aggregate Net Capital  Contributions  of
all Limited Partners (less distributions  representing returns of capital).  Net
Capital  Contributions  are comprised of gross offering  proceeds,  after giving
effect  to  volume   discounts   (and  after   netting  of  sales   commissions,
organization,  offering  and sales and  marketing  expenses),  less  returns  of
capital  distributed to Limited  Partners.  The principal  amount of the Note is
reduced  proportionally by the Managing General Pertners 1% allocation of return
of capital.  Such allocation for the three months ended March 31, 1998, resulted
in a $7,458 reduction of the principal amount of the Note.

4.  Capital Contributions

      On October  13,  1988,  the  Retirement  Fund  closed the  initial  public
offering of its units of Limited Partner interests ("Units"). Equitable Capital,
the  Retirement   Fund's  Managing  General  Partner  at  that  time,   accepted
subscriptions for 221,072 Units and admitted 26,304 Limited Partners.

      The Limited Partners' total capital contributions were $220,848,730, after
giving  effect to volume  discounts  allowed of  $223,270.  Equitable  Capital's
aggregate  capital  contribution  was in the  form of a  promissory  note in the
principal amount of $2,051,783.  On July 22, 1993,  Equitable Capital's note was
canceled and Alliance  Corporate  made a capital  contribution  in the form of a
promissory  note on such date,  as  described  in Note 3. Sales,  marketing  and
offering  expenses and selling  commissions  have been charged against  proceeds
resulting in net capital contributed by Limited Partners of $203,146,793.

      Allocation  of  income,  loss  and  distributions  of  cash  are  made  in
accordance with the Partnership Agreement as further discussed in Note 11.

5.  Sales, Marketing and Offering Expenses and Sales Commissions

     The Retirement Fund expended a total of $416,052 for the  reimbursement  of
sales and marketing  expenses.  Aggregate  sales and  marketing  expenses of the
Funds may not exceed $2,528,415 or 0.5% of the aggregate  capital  contributions
and were allocated  proportionately  to the number of Units issued by each Fund.
Aggregate sales and marketing expenses for the Funds totaled $951,683.

     The Retirement Fund also paid $1,627,385 for the  reimbursement of offering
expenses.  These expenses, along with the offering expenses of Equitable Capital
Partners  and  the  organizational   expenses  of  the  Funds,  may  not  exceed
$6,000,000. Aggregate offering and organizational expenses for the Funds totaled
$4,711,806.

     For their  services  as  selling  agent,  the  Retirement  Fund paid  sales
commissions to Merrill Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner & Smith Incorporated in the amount
of  $15,251,770,  of  which  Equico  Securities  Corporation,  an  affiliate  of
Equitable Capital, a related party, received $168,150 as a selected dealer.

6.  Investment Advisory Fee

     As of July 22,  1993,  Alliance  Corporate  has been  receiving a quarterly
Investment  Advisory  Fee, at the annual rate of 1.0% of the  Retirement  Fund's
Available Capital, with a minimum annual payment of $2,000,000  collectively for
the  Funds,  less  80%  of  commitment,   transaction,  investment  banking  and
"break-up"  or  other  fees  related  to  the  Retirement   Fund's   investments
("Deductible  Fees").  Available  Capital is defined as the sum of the aggregate
Net Capital  Contributions of the Partners less the cumulative amount of returns
of Capital distributed to Partners and realized losses from investments.

     As stated in the Partnership  Agreement,  the Retirement  Fund's  allocable
share of the Minimum  Amount is $874,350,  or $218,587  per quarter.  

     The Investment  Advisory Fee is paid  quarterly in advance.  The Investment
Advisory Fees incurred by the  Retirement  Fund for the three months ended March
31, 1998 and 1997 were $218,587 and $250,434, respectively.
<PAGE>

7. Fund Administration Fee and Expenses

     The  Retirement  Fund  Administration  Fees  paid by the Fund for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 were $25,000 and $25,000 respectively.

     Beginning October 13, 1996, MLFAI is entitled to receive  reimbursement for
all  of  direct   out-of-pocket   expenses   incurred  in  connection  with  the
administration  of the Retirement Fund,  commencing on October 13, 1992. For the
three  months  ended  March 31,  1998 and 1997,  the  Retirement  Fund  incurred
Administrative  expenses of $59,384 and $32,831,  respectively,  which consisted
primarily of printing,  audit and tax return preparation and custodian fees paid
for by MLFAI on behalf of the Retirement Fund.

8.  Independent General Partners' Fees and Expenses

     As compensation  for their services,  each  Independent  General Partner is
entitled to a $30,000 annual fee (payable quarterly) from the Retirement Fund in
addition  to  $500  for  each  meeting  attended  plus   reimbursement  for  any
out-of-pocket  expenses.  In accordance with the Retirement  Fund's  Partnership
Agreement,  the  amount  of such fee is  reviewed  annually  by the  Independent
General Partners.

     For the three months  ended March 31, 1998 and 1997,  the  Retirement  Fund
incurred $37,700 and $35,000,  respectively,  of Independent  General  Partners'
Fees and Expenses.

9.  Related Party Transactions

     For the three months  ended March 31, 1998 and 1997,  the  Retirement  Fund
paid expenses of $23,940 and $8,566, respectively,  as reimbursement for amounts
paid for legal  services  provided  by  Equitable  Life in  connection  with the
Retirement  Fund's  Enhanced Yield  Investments.  The Retirement  Fund is paying
Alliance  Corporate an Investment  Advisory Fee for its services as described in
Note 6.  Additionally,  the  Retirement  Fund paid sales  commissions  to Equico
Securities, a related party, as described in Note 5.

10. Investment Transactions

      The Retirement Fund is invested  primarily in Enhanced Yield  Investments,
also known in the securities industry as "high yield securities". The securities
in which the Retirement  Fund has invested were issued in  conjunction  with the
mezzanine financing of privately  structured,  friendly leveraged  acquisitions,
recapitalizations and other leveraged financings,  and are generally linked with
an equity  participation.  Enhanced  Yield  Investments  are debt and  preferred
equity securities that are unrated or are rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation
as BB or lower and by Moody's Investor  Services,  Inc. as Ba or lower.  Risk of
loss upon default by the issuer is  significantly  greater with  Enhanced  Yield
Investments  than  with  investment  grade  securities  because  Enhanced  Yield
Investments  are  generally  unsecured  and  are  often  subordinated  to  other
creditors  of the  issuer.  Also,  these  issuers  usually  have high  levels of
indebtedness  and are more sensitive to adverse economic  conditions,  such as a
recession or increasing  interest rates, than investment grade issuers.  Most of
these  securities are subject to resale  restrictions  and generally there is no
quoted market for such securities.
<PAGE>

      Although the Retirement  Fund cannot  eliminate its risks  associated with
participation in Enhanced Yield Investments,  it has established risk management
policies.  The Retirement Fund subjects each prospective  investment to rigorous
analysis and will make only those  investments that have been recommended by the
Managing  General  Partner  and  that  meet  the  Retirement  Fund's  investment
guidelines  or that have  otherwise  been  approved by the  Independent  General
Partners.  Fund investments are measured  against  specified Fund investment and
performance  guidelines.  To limit the exposure of the Retirement Fund's capital
in any single issuer, the Retirement Fund limits the amount of its investment in
a particular  issuer.  The Retirement Fund also continually  monitors  portfolio
companies  in order to  minimize  the risks  associated  with  participation  in
Enhanced Yield Investments.

     On January 2, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund received  $53,706 from Pergament
Home Centers,  Inc. as a principal paydown of the Floating Rate Demand Note held
by the  Retirement  Fund.  No gain,  loss or income  has been  recorded  on this
transaction.

     During the first quarter of 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund sold the remaining
69,683  shares of Lexmark  International  Group,  Inc.  Class B Common Stock for
$2,801,847 resulting in a gain of $2,337,292 to the Retirement Fund.

     On March 12, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund sold its MTI  Holdings,  Inc. 12%
Senior Secured Note,  common stock and warrants for $235,261.  No gain,  loss or
income has been recorded on this transaction.

     All of the  proceeds  received  during  the first  quarter  of 1998 will be
distributed to Limited Partners of record as of March 31, 1998 on May 15, 1998.

     As of March 31, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund had  investments  in 3 Managed
Companies (a Managed  Company is one to which the Retirement  Fund, the Managing
General  Partner or other persons in the Retirement  Fund's investor group makes
significant  managerial  assistance  available)  and 2 Non-Managed  Companies (a
Non-Managed  Company is one to which such  assistance is not provided)  totaling
$21,769,270 (including $422,439 capitalized cost of payment-in-kind securities),
consisting of $5,006,980 in senior notes and subordinated  notes and $16,762,290
in common stock and purchase warrants.

11. Allocation of Profits and Losses

      Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement,  net investment income
and gains and losses on investments are generally allocated between the Managing
General  Partner  and the  Limited  Partners  based upon cash  distributions  as
follows:

      first,  99% to the Limited Partners and 1% to the Managing General Partner
      until the Limited  Partners have received a cumulative  priority return of
      10%  non-compounded  on an annual basis on their  investments  in Enhanced
      Yield Investments,

      second,  70% to the  Limited  Partners  and  30% to the  Managing  General
      Partner until the Managing General Partner has received 20% of all current
      and prior distributions on such investments,

      and thereafter, 80% to the Limited Partners and 20% to the Managing
      General Partner.

     For the three months ended March 31, 1998,  earnings were  allocated 99% to
     the Limited Partners, as a class, and 1% to the Managing General Partner.
<PAGE>
12. Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation and Non-Accrual of Investments

     For the three months ended March 31, 1998, the Retirement Fund recorded net
unrealized  depreciation on Enhanced Yield Investments of $6,091,334 as compared
to $14,949,252 for the three months ended March 31, 1997. Such  depreciation was
the  result  of  adjustments  in  value  made  with  respect  to  the  following
investments during the three months ended March 31, 1998:
     
     The amount  includes the reversal of $2,183,398 of unrealized  appreciation
of Lexmark  International  Group,  Inc. Class B Common Stock, due to the sale of
the remaining 69,683 shares.

     On March 31, 1998,  Quantegy  Acquisition  Corp.,  common stock was written
down from 100% to 15% of remaining cost, resulting in unrealized depreciation of
$2,313,946 to the Retirement Fund.

     On March 31, 1998, the R&S Strauss Inc., 15% Senior  Subordinated  Note was
written down from 100% to 25% of par,  resulting in unrealized  depreciation  of
$1,593,750 to the Retirement Fund.

     On March 31, 1998,  the Western  Pioneer 10% Senior  Subordinated  Note par
value was reduced resulting in unrealized depreciation of $240.
                        
The following  investments have been on non-accrual  status as of the respective
dates:

    Pergament Home Centers, Inc.
      Floating Rate Demand Note            July 1, 1996
    Western Pioneer, Inc. 10%
      Senior Subordinated Note             November 30, 1994
    R&S  Strauss  Inc. 
      15% Senior Subordinated Note         November 30, 1997

      Alliance  Corporate  continues to monitor the Retirement  Fund's portfolio
closely.  As a matter of standard  procedure,  Alliance  Corporate  reviews each
portfolio company's financial statements at least quarterly,  and often monthly.
Investment managers routinely review and discuss financial and operating results
with the companies' management and equity sponsors, and attend periodic board of
directors meetings, as appropriate.  In some cases, Alliance Corporate officers,
acting on behalf of the Funds  serve as  directors  on the  boards of  portfolio
companies. When problems arise, communication with management and sponsors often
occurs on a daily basis.

13. Income Taxes

      No  provision  for income  taxes has been made since all income and losses
are  allocated  to  the  Retirement  Fund's  partners  for  inclusion  in  their
respective tax returns.

     Pursuant to Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards No. 109 Accounting
for Income Taxes,  the  Retirement  Fund is required to disclose any  difference
between the tax basis of the Retirement Fund's assets and liabilities versus the
amounts reported in the Financial  Statements.  Generally,  the tax basis of the
Retirement Fund's assets  approximate the amortized cost amounts reported in the
Financial  Statements.  This amount is computed  annually and as of December 31,
1997, the tax basis of the Retirement Fund's assets was greater than the amounts
reported  in  the  Financial  Statements  by  $24,826,666.  This  difference  is
primarily  attributable to unrealized  depreciation on investments which has not
been  recognized  for tax purposes.  Additionally,  certain  realized  gains and
losses due to restructuring were treated  differently for tax purposes,  but not
for financial reporting purposes.

14. Subsequent Distributions

     On May 7, 1998, the Independent General Partners approved an aggregate cash
distribution of $2,929,204 for the three months ended March 31, 1998, which will
be  paid on May 15,  1998 to the  Limited  Partners.  The  amount  that  will be
distributed to Limited Partners on record as of March 31, 1998 includes $873,234
of return of capital.  On a per Unit basis,  the distribution of $13.25 includes
$9.30 of net realized gains and $3.95 of return of capital. The Managing General
Partner's  one  percent  allocation  of  $29,588  is  being  held as a  Deferred
Distribution Amount resulting in no distribution to the Managing

<PAGE>
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
         of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Net Proceeds of Offering

      On October 13, 1988,  the  Retirement  Fund  completed the initial  public
offering of Units,  admitting  26,304  Limited  Partners who  purchased  221,072
Units.  The net proceeds  available for investment by the Retirement  Fund after
such offering less return of capital to Limited Partners were $181,514,467 after
volume discounts,  sales  commissions and  organizational,  offering,  sales and
marketing expenses.

     Investments

     As of March 31, 1998, the  Retirement  Fund had a total of 6 Enhanced Yield
Investments at a net cost of $22,004,531.

    Proceeds from Investments

    During the three months ended March 31, 1998, the  Retirement  Fund received
proceeds from the following investments:

     On January 2, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund received  $53,706 from Pergament
Home Centers,  Inc. as a principal paydown of the Floating Rate Demand Note held
by the  Retirement  Fund.  No gain,  loss or income  has been  recorded  on this
transaction.

     During the first quarter of 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund sold the remaining
69,683  shares of Lexmark  International  Group,  Inc.  Class B Common Stock for
$2,801,847 resulting in a gain of $2,337,292 to the Retirement Fund.

     On March 12, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund sold its MTI  Holdings,  Inc. 12%
Senior Secured Note,  common stock and warrants for $235,261.  No gain,  loss or
income has been recorded on this transaction.

     All of the  proceeds  received  during  the first  quarter  of 1998 will be
distributed to Limited Partners of record as of March 31, 1998 on May 15, 1998.

    For additional  information,  refer to the Supplemental Schedule of Realized
Gains and Losses and Note 10 to the Financial Statements.

      The Retirement  Fund's Enhanced Yield  Investments are typically issued in
private  placement  transactions  and are  subject  to certain  restrictions  on
transfer, and are thus relatively illiquid. The balance of the Retirement Fund's
assets at the end of the period covered by this report was invested in Temporary
Investments,  comprised of commercial  paper with  maturities of less than sixty
days.

      The Retirement  Fund, which is designed for tax-exempt  investors,  is not
permitted to borrow to finance  investments.  The Partnership  Agreement imposes
certain limits on the use of proceeds from the  disposition  of investments  for
reinvestments.

      All cash  dividends,  interest and other income received by the Retirement
Fund in excess of expenses of  operation  and  reserves for expenses and certain
investments  and  liabilities  is  distributed  to the  Limited  Partners of the
Retirement Fund and to the Managing  General  Partner,  within 45 days after the
end of each calendar  quarter.  Before each  quarterly  cash  distribution,  the
Retirement Fund will analyze the then current cash projections and determine the
amount of any additional reserves it deems necessary.

    Participation in Enhanced Yield Investments

     The Retirement Fund invested primarily in Enhanced Yield Investments,  also
known in the securities  industry as "high yield securities".  The securities in
which the  Retirement  Fund has  invested  were issued in  conjunction  with the
mezzanine financing of privately  structured,  friendly leveraged  acquisitions,
recapitalizations and other leveraged financings,  and are generally linked with
an equity  participation.  Enhanced  Yield  Investments  are debt and  preferred
equity  securities that are below investment  grade,  i.e.,  unrated or rated by
Standard & Poor's  Corporation as BB or lower or by Moody's  Investor  Services,
Inc. as Ba or lower.  Risk of loss upon  default by the issuer is  significantly
greater with Enhanced Yield  Investments  than with investment  grade securities
because  Enhanced  Yield  Investments  are  generally  unsecured  and are  often
subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.  Also, these issuers usually have
high  levels  of  indebtedness  and  are  more  sensitive  to  adverse  economic
conditions,  such as a recession or increasing  interest rates,  than investment
grade issuers. Most of these securities are subject to resale restrictions,  and
generally there is no quoted market for such securities.
<PAGE>
      Although the Retirement  Fund cannot  eliminate its risks  associated with
participation in Enhanced Yield Investments,  it has established risk management
policies.  The Retirement Fund subjects each prospective  investment to rigorous
analysis,  and makes only those  investments  that have been  recommended by the
Managing  General  Partner  and  that  meet  the  Retirement  Fund's  investment
guidelines  or that have  otherwise  been  approved by the  Independent  General
Partners.

      Retirement Fund investments are measured against specified Retirement Fund
investment and performance  guidelines.  To limit the exposure of the Retirement
Fund's  capital in any single issuer,  the Retirement  Fund limits the amount of
its  investment in a particular  issuer.  The Retirement  Fund also  continually
monitors  portfolio  companies  in order to minimize the risks  associated  with
participation in Enhanced Yield Investments.

    Results of Operations

     For the three months ended March 31, 1998, net investment  income decreased
by $1,065,980 as compared to the same period in 1997. Net  investment  income is
comprised of investment income  (primarily  interest and dividend income) offset
by  expenses.  The  decrease  in the  1998  net  investment  income  versus  the
comparative  period in 1997,  reflects  the  decrease in interest  and  dividend
income  partially  offset  by the  decrease  in  Fund  Administration  Fees  and
Expenses.

     For the  three  months  ended  March  31,  1998,  the  Retirement  Fund had
investment  income of $86,235,  as compared to $1,232,802 for the same period in
1997.  The  decrease in 1998  investment  income of 93% was  primarily  due to a
decrease in interest and dividend income.

     The  Retirement  Fund  incurred  expenses of $353,996  for the three months
ended March 31, 1998,  as compared to $434,583 for the same period in 1997.  The
decrease  in the 1998  expenses of $80,587  was  primarily  due to a decrease in
Investment  Advisory Fee and Professional  Fees paid by the Retirement Fund. The
Retirement  Fund's major expenses  consist of the  Investment  Advisory Fee, the
Fund Administration Fees and Professional Fees.

     The  Retirement  Fund  experienced a decrease in net assets  resulting from
operations  for  the  three  months  ended  March  31,  1998  in the  amount  of
$4,021,803,  as compared to a decrease of $1,494,153 for the comparative  period
in 1997. The decrease in net assets for the three months ended March 31, 1998 is
comprised of net investment  loss of $267,761,  net realized gains of $2,337,292
offset  by a net  change  in  unrealized  depreciation  of  $6,091,334.  For the
comparable  period in 1997,  the  decrease  in net assets was  comprised  of net
investment income of $798,219, net realized gains of $12,656,880 offset by a net
change in unrealized depreciation of $14,949,252.  (see Statements of Operations
in the Financial Statements).

     For the three months  ended March 31, 1998 and 1997,  the  Retirement  Fund
incurred  Investment Advisory Fees of $218,587 and $250,434,  respectively,  (as
described in Note 6 to the Financial Statements).

     The Retirement Fund  Administration Fees and Expenses (as described in Note
7 to the  Financial  Statements)  for the three  months ended March 31, 1998 and
1997 were $84,384 and $57,831,  respectively.  The increase from 1997 to 1998 of
$26,554 is due  primarily to the Fund  Administration  Fee changing to an annual
fee of $100,000 plus 100% of all direct  out-of-pocket  expenses incurred by the
Retirement Fund Administrator on behalf of the Retirement Fund.

     Independent  General  Partners'  Fees and  Expenses  incurred for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, were $37,700 and $35,000, respectively.

     The Retirement Fund incurred  Professional  Fees of $12,125 and $88,618 for
the three  months  ended  March 31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  For the three
months ended March 31, 1998,  the  Retirement  Fund incurred  $23,940 of related
party legal fees which  included  reimbursed  legal fees to Debevoise & Plimpton
and Equitable Life for legal services (See Note 9 to Financial Statements).
<PAGE>
    Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation and Non-Accrual of Investments

      The General  Partners of the  Retirement  Fund  determine,  on a quarterly
basis, the fair value of the Retirement Fund's portfolio  securities that do not
have a readily  ascertainable market value. They are assisted in connection with
such  determination  by the Managing  General  Partner,  which has established a
valuation  committee  comprised of senior  executives  to assess the  Retirement
Fund's portfolio and make  recommendations  regarding the value of its portfolio
securities.  This  valuation  committee uses available  market  information  and
appropriate valuation  methodologies.  In addition, the Managing General Partner
has  retained  Arthur D.  Little,  Inc.,  a  nationally  recognized  independent
valuation consultant, to review such valuations.

      For privately  issued  securities in which the  Retirement  Fund typically
invests,  the fair value of an  investment  is its initial  cost,  adjusted  for
amortization of discount or premium and as subsequently  adjusted to reflect the
occurrence of significant developments. "Significant developments" are business,
economic or market events that may affect a company in which an  investment  has
been made or the securities comprising such investment. For example, significant
developments  that could result in a write-down  in value  include,  among other
things,  events  of  default  with  respect  to  payment  obligations  or  other
developments indicating that a portfolio company's performance may fall short of
acceptable  levels. A write-up in value of an investment could take place when a
significant favorable development occurs, such as a transaction representing the
partial  sale of an  investment  that would  result in a capital gain or company
performance exceeding expected levels on a sustained basis.

      Although the General  Partners use their best judgment in determining  the
fair value of these investments, there are inherent limitations in any valuation
technique involving securities of the type in which the Retirement Fund invests.
Therefore,  the fair values presented  herein are not necessarily  indicative of
the amount which the Retirement Fund could realize in a current transaction.

     For the three months ended March 31, 1998, the Retirement Fund recorded net
unrealized  depreciation on Enhanced Yield Investments of $6,091,334 as compared
to  $14,949,252  for the three  months  ended  March  31,  1997.  The  change in
unrealized  depreciation was primarily the result of unrealized  depreciation in
Quantegy  Acquisition  Corp. and R&S Strauss Inc. and the reversal of unrealized
appreciation in Lexmark International Group, Inc.

        The  following  investments  have been on  non-accrual  status as of the
respective dates:

        Pergament Home Centers, Inc.
          Floating Rate Demand Note                July 1, 1996
        Western Pioneer, Inc. 10%
          Senior Subordinated Note                 November 30, 1994
        R&S  Strauss  Inc. 
        15% Senior Subordinated Note               November 30, 1997

      Alliance  Corporate  continues to monitor the Retirement  Fund's portfolio
closely.  As a matter of standard  procedure,  Alliance  Corporate  reviews each
portfolio company's financial statements at least quarterly,  and often monthly.
Investment managers routinely review and discuss financial and operating results
with the companies' management and equity sponsors, and attend periodic board of
directors meetings, as appropriate.  In some cases, Alliance Corporate officers,
acting on behalf of the Funds  serve as  directors  on the  boards of  portfolio
companies. When problems arise, communication with management and sponsors often
occurs on a daily basis.

Realized Gains and Losses on Investments

     For the three months ended March 31, 1998, the Retirement Fund recorded net
realized  gains of  $2,337,292  on  transactions  involving  one Enhanced  Yield
Investment.  For the three  months  ended March 31, 1997,  the  Retirement  Fund
recorded net realized  gains of  $12,656,880  on  transactions  involving  three
Enhanced  Yield  Investments.  (See Note 10 to the Financial  Statements and the
Supplemental Schedule of Realized Gains and Losses).

<PAGE>

                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Items 1 though 5 are  herewith  omitted as the  response  to all items is either
none or not applicable for the March 31, 1998, Form 10-Q.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits:
         Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ending
         March 31, 1998.

 3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated
         as of April 12, 1989*

 4.1     Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated as
         of October 13, 1988**

10.1     Investment Advisory Agreement, dated July 22, 1993, between
         Registrant and Alliance Corporate Finance Group Incorporated***

10.2     Administrative Services Agreement, dated October 13, 1988, among
         the Registrant, Equitable Capital Management Corporation and
         ML Fund Administrators, Inc.**

*        Incorporated  by reference to the  Retirement  Fund's  Annual Report on
         Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1989,  filed with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 1990.

**       Incorporated  by reference to the  Retirement  Fund's  Annual Report on
         Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1988,  filed with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 1989.

***      Incorporated  by reference to the  Retirement  Fund's  Annual Report on
         Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1993,  filed with the
         Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 1994.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K - None.


<PAGE>


                                SIGNATURES

    Pursuant  to the  requirements  of  Section  13 or 15(d)  of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized on the 13th day of May,
1998.

                        EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS
                         (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.

                        By:  Alliance Corporate Finance Group
                             Incorporated, as Managing General Partner

Dated: May 13, 1998    /s/  James R. Wilson
                            -----------------------------
                            James R. Wilson
                            Title:  President



Dated: May 13, 1998    /s/ Andy Pitsillos
                           ------------------------------        
                           Andy Pitsillos
                           Title:  Vice President and Chief
                                   Accounting Officer



<PAGE>


                                SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  Registrant  has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 13th day of May, 1998.



                        EQUITABLE CAPITAL PARTNERS
                         (RETIREMENT FUND), L.P.

                        By:  Alliance Corporate Finance Group
                             Incorporated, as Managing General Partner




Dated: May 13, 1998
                             James R. Wilson
                             Title:  President



Dated: May 13, 1998
                             Andy Pitsillos
                             Title:  Vice President and Chief
                             Accounting Officer