Rutherford Hayes actually said...

"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."

"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."

"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."