Rutherford Hayes actually said...

"I have given to this report such examination as satisfies me that I ought to lay the proceedings and conclusions of the board before Congress."

"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..."

"It is confidently believed that no sound argument can be made in support of the constitutionality of national regulation of Senatorial elections."

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