Page:Writings of Thomas Jefferson, III, IV.djvu/212

 tne DuiKiesi Kina. aiki m uuui, men yc
 * iwn the river may not only be innocent, as t

panish subjects on the river, but cannot f: irich them far beyond their present condition.
 * al interests then of all the inhabitants, uppe

wer, concur in fact with their rights. If we appeal to the law of nature and natio tpressed by writers on the subject, it is agre iem, that, were the river, where it passes be lorida and Louisiana, the exclusive right of i ill an innocent passage along it is a natural . those inhabiting its borders above. It • deed be what those writers call an imperfect ?cause the modification of its exercise depend >nsiderable degree on the conveniency of the i trough which they are to pass. But it is : ght as real as any other right, however well-de id were it to be refused, or to be so shackl ■gulations, not necessary for the peace or saf 3 inhabitants, as to render its use impractica j entitled to demand redress. The right c Dper inhabitants to use this navigation i >unterpart to that of those possessing the
 * , it would then be an injury, of which we s