Show WOULD PROVOKE PROTEST State Department Cannot Comply with St Louis Editors Request New York Jan 29The fear of offending of-fending Britain and provoking a pro j test would cause the Administration says a Washington special to the World to decline to comply with the I request of Dr Preetorius Of St j Louis who It is sold has forwarded to Secretary Hay money and a letter expressing sympathy with the Boers which he asks to be sent to President Krugcr through the American Consul at Pretoria It is Indicated that the State department I depart-ment will take the ground that It would be a violation of the neutrality I laws for this Government to give I financial aid to a belligerent It Is pointed out that this request differs from the request made by the American Consul at Pretoria In behalf I be-half of Great Britain to be permitted I to forward money to be used by the British nick and wounded In the purchase pur-chase of delicacies In that the latter request Is made by one belligerent of another using a neutral as means of communication |