Rutherford Hayes actually said...

No soldiers, either of the Union or of the State militia, should be present at the polls to take the place or to perform the duties of the o...

There has been and will be no violation of this rule under orders from me during this Administration.

The true rule as to the employment of military force at the elections is not doubtful.

The elections should be free from all forcible interference, and, as far as practicable, from all apprehensions of such interference.