Rutherford Hayes actually said...

"As I am without power, in the absence of legislation, to act upon the recommendations of the report further than by submitting the same to Congress, the proceedings and conclusions of the board are tr..."

"The constitutional authority to regulate the Congressional elections which belongs to the Government of the United States, ought to be enforced by appropriate legislation."

"The United States election laws are not necessary, an ample reply is furnished by the history of their origin and of their results."

"If the bill contained no other provisions, no objection to its approval would be made."