Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-07-19
WASHINGTON SEES
SAME VON TIRPITZ
IN LATEST U MOVE
Attack on Liner Induces U. s. OFF,
oials to Think There is Nothing
to Report of Change in
Subsea Policy.
SITUATION GROWS MORE GRAVE
Administration Circles Consider
German Action Adds to Strain
Already Existing,
AWAITING FULL INFORMATION

WASHINGTON. July 17.-Into
the grave situation that has devel-
oped between the United States and
Germany over the sinking of the Lus-
itania was injected another issue yes
terday, when II was revealed that the
British steamer orduna, carrying a
score OF Americans, had been at
tackled by German submarine.
Should first reports of an attempt
to torpedo without warning be borne
out, II was indicated In official quar-
ters that the United States probably
would regard the incident as adding
grave element to the already
strained relations between the two
countries
Lacking Information as to the circum-
stances Of the attack. officials were un-
able to predict tonight to what extent the
orduna case would aggravate the situa-
ton; but they thought the question
would certainly compel serious considera-
ton BY President Wilson and his cabinet
in formulating the next step In the policy
OF the United States toward the activities
OF German submarines and the safety
Of Americans on the high seas.
No Change I'm Policy.
Although the Orduna escaped unhurt,
this. In the view OF officials. does not
relieve the case Of grave possibilities.
The fact that bellIgerent merchant ship
bound for the United States with Amer
-
ammunitions or contraband cargo, which
has been the reason assigned for the
provocation for previous attacks, was as
sailed while It's passengers slept. con-
vinced many that the theory they had
entertained of an actual change In the
practice of German submarine commnad-
ers apparently had been dissipated.
One point on which the entire case SO
far as the United States is concerned may
hinge IL whether any attempt wns made
to halt the orduna by the customary
warning signals, either by flag, mega
phone or shots across the bow of the
vessel
As yet the case b NOT officially be-
fore the state department; but as soon
ms some OF the passengers file their
statements of what took place, the ques-
tlon will undoubtedly he brought to the
attention OF the German government for
report from its submarine commander
on the nttack. The case is believed to
be different from that of the Anglo Cali
fornian and the Armenian, which were
ordered to halt but repeatedly attempted
to escape capture. According 70 the
rules OF international law, even though
neutrals are on board, the use OF force
is held to be justified to compel sub
mission.
Assert No Warning Given.
The captain and officers of the Orduna
have stated that no warning or signal
had been given when the torpedo was
seen streaking through the water. Or
ficials here thought therefore thet any
attempt made by the orduna TO escape
was probably justified. It's subsequent
actions. they believed. could be upheld
! in the interest OF self-defense.
Irrespective OF whether or not a signal
was given TO the Orduna TO halt or
whether the shots f1red by the Germans
came without warning. the view which
impressed officials tonight was that Ger
man submarines had not abandoned their
attempts 10 destroy enemy passenger ves-
sells whether carrying contraband orsnot.
and that American citizens seemed still
be subjects from haSards which seemed
(Continued on PAGE Two Column One