Before a writ of attachment may be executed in a tort action, the plaintiff or someone on his behalf shall make and attach thereto an affidavit, stating that a cause of action in tort exists in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant, that the damages sustained exceed fifty dollars specifying the amount claimed and either:
(1) The defendant is not a resident of this state; or that his residence is unknown and cannot with due diligence be ascertained; or
(2) The defendant is a foreign corporation.