Kalākaua's cabinet under the helm of
Walter Murray Gibson was more a body of enablers than political advisors. Grandiose schemes and reckless spending, in response to increased revenue from the
Reciprocity Treaty of 1875, spiraled out of control. On October 17, 1882, Austin was part of a committee of The
Planters' Labor and Supply Company who addressed concerns in a written statement to Kalākaua. The planters were brushed off in a published reply from Gibson, rather than any comment from the king. In 1887, Kalākaua was forced to sign the
Bayonet Constitution, codifying the legislature as the supreme authority over any actions by the monarchy. Austin had been one of the committee who drafted the new law. The Gibson cabinet was effectively dissolved on July 1, ushering in the so-called Reform Cabinet.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Godfrey Brown resigned from the new cabinet on December 28, replaced by Austin. The entire Reform Cabinet eventually fell to internal discord, replaced with a new cabinet by Kalākaua on June 17, 1890. Austin retreated to San Francisco, with the intent of eventually returning to Hawaii. Upon arrival, he gave an interview to the
San Francisco Call detailing the political upheaval happening to the monarchy. Another interview that appeared in the
Buffalo Commercial newspaper, was very complimentary of Kalākaua as a person. He praised native Hawaiians for their aquatic athleticism, and their musical culture. ==Personal life==