Sentence:  Even though the Pervaise confession had never come to light, no reasonable doubt could <WSD>obtain</WSD>; for the act in question ... was on a par with countless other acts committed by the oligarchs, and, before them, by the capitalists. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force. (from 17th c.)