Diaz Greatly Outnumbered.

New York Times 100 years ago today, October 23, 1912:
Washington Thinks the Battle Will Be Decisive.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, Oct. 22.— Vera Cruz is all staged for a battle, according to dispatches from Commander Hughes of the Des Moines.
    The State Department has reports as to the strength of the contending forces, but would not make these public. It is understood, however, that Diaz is outnumbered nearly three to one, and that the Federal commander has sufficient artillery to reduce any position Diaz may attempt to hold. According to one report the number of troops on both sides will be about 6,000, and some officials think the result of the fight will be decisive,
    The attack is expected to come entirely from the land side of the city and will begin with artillery fire. It is understood that Gen. Beltran has orders to crush Diaz as quickly as possible, and has been perfecting arrangements which in some quarters are regarded as likely to accomplish that result.
    Commander Hughes states that the city is remarkably quiet and orderly. The people are not greatly excited by fear of the attack and are going about their work as usual.