The first brunt of war brought out character. On the whole the Russians stood the test well: stood to their duties manfully and without complaining, seemingly inured to hard fortune, and capable of winning through the troubles with which they were beset. And there is much that is good in the Slav character, and best is their ever-ready and eager response to the goodness inherent in human nature, a trait so marked that if only the Tsar, or his advisers, knew how to appeal to the people every true Slav would rally to the call. At Port Arthur the common people, when they realized the position, knew the need there was for their services, almost without exception accepted the inevitable with excellent grace and rendered what aid they could. Port Arthur would beat off the enemy; until victory was really theirs they must make the best of what fortune had in store for them. The proprietor of the Saratoff restaurant, a rough fellow with many faults, in harmony with the spirit of the day advanced his prices--for one day only. On reflection he went back to his old prices, did his utmost to cater successfully for his customers, and when you asked for something not on the bill of fare and he was able to serve it, his gratification was pleasing to witness. It said, as plainly as if spoken, “Maskee the enemy, I give you what you want.” It manifested the spirit of defiance, was earnest money of the victory that was to come. One of the first important orders given by the Viceroy fixed the prices of the necessaries of life in the town. The rise in prices had not been justified by what had happened, there was in truth but a slight change in the exact value as the result of the war, and the retailers who thought to benefit by making exorbitant charges were checked at the very outset. The legitimate prices of bread, flour, rice, salt, tea and such commodities were but slightly in excess of those current in January, and any one could go into the market, or any shop in which such provisions were on sale, and insist upon having a quantity at the price scheduled. The Commandant, General Stoessel, was very busy interesting himself not only in strengthening the defences but in the welfare of the inhabitants. He issued orders almost every day: their general purport may be judged from the following specimens, all promulgated on February 3 o.s. (16th). GENERAL STOESSEL’S COMMANDS ORDER No. 61 RECENTLY I saw on the pavement two or three men, and trotting, notwithstanding that this is forbidden, as every soldier knows. Therefore, on and after the 5th inst., everyone so offending will have the horses transferred and himself be subjected to a fine. ORDER No. 62