score:3
Caldas had time to appeal his death sentence and his final arguments indicated his potential value to the Royal Crown as a scientist. However, more than his military or political activities, was his value as a scientist (geography and astronomy) that was feared most were he to escape death and continue to aid the Revolution.
My belief is that Morillo's words were said mocking a desperate Caldas, rather than expressing a generalized sentiment in Spain.
However, the fact that Spain based its growth on wealth from Conquered gold, rather than Industry and Knowledge, may have been the cause for Morillo's sentiments.
It is my opinion, that it was the Spanish Inquisition, paired with the artificial acquisition of wealth, what led to Spain's decline.
Reference: Β‘Soy Caldas!...