Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-07-18
At TACK ON ORDUNA ADDS
TO GRAVITY OF SITUATION
Expected to BE Seriously Considered
in Formulating Next Step in
German Policy.
INVESTIGATION WILL BE MADE
Fact That Liner Escaped Unhurt
Does Not Relieve Case Of Grave
Possibilities-BerIi Government
to BE Asked for Report.

| WASHINGTON. July 17.-Into the
grave situation that has developed be
| tween the United States and Germany
over the sinking of the Lusitania was
thrust another issue to-day, when it
was revealed that the British steamer
orduna, carrying Il score of Americans,
had hcen attacked by n German sub
marine
Should first reports of an attempt
TO torpedo without warning be borne
out by an official investigation about
10 be instigated. 1t was indicated in
official quarters that the United States
probably would regard the incident as
adding n grave element to the already
strained relations between the two
countries.
Lacking information as to the cir
cumstances of the attack, officials were
unable to predict tonight TO what eX-
tent the Orduna case would aggravate
the situation, but they thought the
question would certainly compel Sc
rious consideration by President Will
son and his Cabinet in formulating the
next step in the policy of the United
states toward the activities Of German
submarines aud the safety of Amcri-
0rduna escaped unhurt this. in the
view of officials does not relieve the
case OF grave possibilities. The fact
that n .bclligerent merchant ship, bound
for the United States with Americans
on board and without arms and am
munition or contraband cargo, which
has been tho reason assigned as the
provocation for previous attacks. was
aSsatled while her passengers slept con-
vinced many officials that the theory
they had entertained of an actual
change in the practice of German sub
marine commanders apparently had
been dissipated.
WHOLE CASE MAY HINGE
ON QUESTION OF WARNING
One point on which the entire case.
so far as the United States is con l.
cerned may hinge is whether any at
tempt was made to halt the Orduna by
the customary warning signals. either
by flag, megaphonc or shots across the
bow Of n vessel.
AS yet the case is not officially be-
fore the State Department. but as soon
as some of the American passengers
file their statements OF what took place
the question undoubtedly will be
brought Immediately to the attention
OF the German government for report
from its submarine commander on the
circumstances OF the attack.
The case is believed to be different
from that of the Anglo Californian and
the Armenian, which were ordered to
halt but repeatedly attempted to es-
capc capture. According to the rules
OF international law, even though neu-
| trails are on board. the use OF force is
held 70 he justified to compel submis-
sion.
The captain and officers OF the Or
duna haze stated that no warning or
signal had been given when the torpedo
was seen strcaking through the water.
officials here thought. therefore, that
any attempt made by the Orduna TO
escape was probably justified. Her sub
sequent actions. they believed, could be
upheld in the interest of self-defense
Irrespective OF whether or not A
signal was given to tha Orduna TO halt.
or whether the shots fred by the Ger
mans came without warning. the View
which impressed officials to-n.ght was
that German submarines had not aban-
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