Sentence:  There are stories still told how money was used and promised, but from the best knowledge I can acquire, I think this is not true. If sharp practice was played, and "<WSD>shenanigan</WSD>" was used, we, to-day, looking back upon those times, cannot say that evil has come of it. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Deceitful tricks; trickery, games. (from mid 19th c.)