New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-18
ORDUNA ATTACK
TAKEN TO SHOW
BERLIN DEFIANCE
Indicates Germany Will
Not Stop Warfare on
Passenger Ships.
MAY ALTER TONE
OF COMING NOTE
Officials Fear Effect on Relations
with Kaiser, Already at
Danger Point.
[From The Tribune Bureau. ]

from Inc lDDune BuIedu.l
Washington, July 1.-THE attempt
to torpedo the British steamer Orduna,
on which. a score of Americans were
passengers, threw another bomb into
the international situation to-day and
confirmed the belief of some American
officials that Germany had not let up
in its submarine warfare against pas
senger ships, despite intimatlons TO
that effect received here.
While considerable apprehension has
been caused by the reports so far pub
lished, prominent officials feel that
Judgment should be withheld until all
details are had. There is no denying,
however. that the 0rduna affair has
intensified the situation, and officials
frankly declare no doubt should exist
in the mind of President Wilson as to
the terms of his answer to the recent
German note.
The attack on the Orduna was un-
expected. 1t was believed Count Won
Bernstorf, German Ambassador. had
official knowledge that submarine COM
manders had instructions to torpedo no
more passenger ships when re DIS
chased the subject with Secretary Lam
inc yesterday. For this reason Of
6ciels we're at loss to understand the
attennt 10 sink the 0rduna. and not
La
details must be had because OF IT'S I'M
portant bearing on the international
crisis.
Think Submarines Not Called on.
IN view of the statement OF the Ger
man government in the recent note 10
his country on the Nebraskan case,
however, many persons are inclined 10
believe German submarines are con-
timing their warfare without inter.
runtion and regardless of the safety OF
American lives.
The Orduna case is regarded as an
indication that the German government
mot only will persist in its refusal TO
roeet the demands of President wilson
regarding the safety of Americans at
sea. but that no reparation Will be
given for the deaths Of Americans on
the Lusitania. .
The statement that the submarine
was not far from the Orduna when II
tried TO torpedo her suggests, some OF
fcials think, that an effort may nave
neen made to place the torpedo near
the bow or stern of the vessel, where
il would do the least damage. Had TINS
been accomplished, the steamei would
have sunk vecy slowly, if at all. II the
torpedo had been aimed amidships, II
is thought, it would not have missed
its mark.
Torpedoing a vessel near either end
il is said, might demonstrate a new
method of stopping fast liners 1t has
been argued that firing warning shots
from small guns is not only ineffective
II, the case of fast ships, but extremely
dangerous TO the submarine, as the
steamship might easily turn and ram
the undersea boat. Had the torpedo
found it's mark and the Orduna re-
mained afoat long enough to get the
Messengers and crew into the boats,
Germany would have an argument, 1t
is held. in favor of the policy OF tor
pedoing without warning.
Effect on Present Negotiations.
While judgment is DelHs "ltHneAu III
official circles until all the details can
be had. there is a general feeling that
SHOULD the reports of the attack prove
correct, il will have a serious bearing
or the negotiations between the United
States and Germany. 1t Will turnisn
no grounds for separate protest, IN
view of the fact that no damage was
accomplished. but undoubtedly 1t VIII
feve great weight in determining the
tone OF this governments note to Ger
r1anv on the Lusitania case.
Investigation of the Orduna afairr
will be made at once at the instance OF
the State Department. American pas,
sengers on the steamship will be asked
10 make affidavits, and report VIII De
requested from the Cunard Line as TO
Us findings. n.
Until the facts are at hand the Or
ouna case will not be permitted 10 en-
Ter into the discussion concerning the
note TO Germany. Officials are not Ger,
tain whether the note will be delayed
Continued on page 2, column