But by the law of nations such things are now considered as primarily vested in the sovereign, and as belonging to individual captors only to the extent and under such regulations as positive laws may prescribe. By the policy of law, goods belonging to an enemy are considered as not being the property of any one. When movables are casually lost by the owner and unreclaimed, or designedly abandoned by him, they belong to the fortunate finder who seizes them, by right of occupancy. The benefit of the elements, the light, air, and water, can only be appropriated by occupancy. It is by virtue of his occupancy that the owner of lands is entitled to the emblements.
Property acquired by accession, is also grounded on the right of occupancy.
Goods acquired by means of confusion may be referred to the same right. The right of inventors of machines or of authors of literary productions is also founded on occupancy.