Stratagem is the abuse of intelligence.

Imposture on the part of the despoiler implies credulity on the part of the despoiled, and the natural antidote of credulity is truth.

It follows that to enlighten the mind is to deprive this species of spoliation of its support.
I will briefly pass in review a few of the different kinds of spoliation which are practiced on an exceedingly large scale.

The first which presents itself is spoliation through the avenue of superstition.

In what does it consist?
In the exchange of food, clothing, luxury, distinction, influence, power--substantial services for fictitious services.