A group of American businessmen, frustrated by Queen Lili'uokalani's persistence in adopting a new constitution, organized a "Committee of Safety" and staged a coup January 17, 1893. Pressured by United States Minister Stevens and the presence of American marines, Lili'uokalani acquiesced, hoping the United States President would right the situation. Though President Cleveland and his special commissioner James Blount supported the return of the Queen's sovereignty, the Provisional Government refused to step down. They quickly proclaimed themselves the Republic of Hawai'i and by 1898 they'd received status as a U.S. Territory.