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 ordinary civil police force."

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

"Holding, as I do, the opinion that any military interference whatever at the polls is contrary to the spirit of our institutions and would tend to destroy the freedom of elections."

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