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I spent a few nights in the palace and realized the insecurity of the situation. Every two or three nights there was an alarm of some kind. There was a fear that something- was going to happen; what that something was no one could tell. Mr. Cummins had heard of some conspiracy but could not prove anything. During the session of 1890 the Honolulu Rifles were disbanded, but the members of that company were still allowed to carry arms in the streets and to wear the uniforms.
I asked my husband, the Hon. John O. Dominis, how all this could be allowed. He referred me to the minister of foreign affairs. On inquiring of the minister he said that they were part of the Knights of Pythias and were permitted to carry arms. This was very unsatisfactory, and my husband and 1 concluded that there must be some underhanded dealings somewhere. After that I preferred to remain at Washington Place, only going to the palace during office hours.
A few weeks passed, and during that time grand preparations were made to receive the King on his return but the morning of the 29th, of January, 1891, the city was startled with the news that the U. S. S. Charleston was in sight with the Hawaiian flag flying at half mast.
I was so shocked by the news that it seemed as if I was in a maze, especially as those things which took place on that day was all done in a hurry by my ministers, of whom Mr. Godfrey Brown seemed to be leader. Things that might have been put off for a day or two were all done that day, and I had no time to think wisely of my situation, or to realize the sad grief that had fallen on Kalakaua's Queen and myself and on the whole nation.
On that day, at 11, I was told that I was to take the oath. I sent a note immediately to my husband (at Washington Place) who was lying on a sick bed, and told him of the arrival of my brother's remains, and of all that had transpired, and he came to the palace weak as he was.
We conversed on the subject before us; also about the constitution. I told him I did not wish to sign it, as there was a general feeling in the, community, and principally amongst the native Hawaiians, that it was not a good constitution, as it had been forced on the King and the Hawaiian people, but my husband persuaded me to sign it, and I obeyed.
At 2 o'clock p. m. we entered the room where all the privy councillors wore assembled and there, in their presence, 1 took the oath of office and swore to abide by the constitution of 1887. As we left the room and waited in the blue room, to receive congratulations as well as condolences, just before the members came in a piece of paper, hurriedly written, was thrust in my hand, on which was written, "Do not sign the constitution; 1 shall soon explain why." But the deed was done. Chief Justice Judd was the first who came forward, but instead of con- gratulations, said in an undertone, "Should your ministers come up, say to them that they may keep their portfolios." I suspected something wrong and kept my countenance.
After all the others had come and gone their turn came. Mr. Cummins, as head of the cabinet, said:"Your Majesty, we wish to say that we are not quite sure that we can hold our commissions," Then Mr. Brown finished the sentence for him by saying that the constitution distinctly states that the cabinet could only be dismissed by the Legislature ; therefore, all that was required would be to have new commissions made out for them. It will be seen there is no clause in the constitution providing for the cabinet in case of the demise of a sovereign,
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