Reality check. The US Government KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE CONSPIRACY WHILE IT WAS BEING DEVELOPED. Remember, this was a time when a communication message from Washington DC to Hawaii was horse and train travel across the US, taking several days, then put on a sailing or steam ship to Hawaii, at least 2 weeks there. By the time the US Government was informed of the need for troop action, the coup was over. There is documentation proving the conspirators knew they were committing deliberate treason. Thurston was the firebrand figurehead of the prominent white plantation owners, all Religious Republicans, as was the US Congress at the time. Thurston was the one that developed a relationship with Stevens, a US Government Minister, which is an ambassador position today. Ambassadors do not set federal policy, however they can request military support in self defense. Thurston developed that as a tactic with Stevens, along with a annexation sympathizer Navy officer. Cleveland said it was wrong.