Whenever said company shall desire to enter upon, use, or occupy any lands, or condemn any franchises or right to the use of running water, when no agreement can be made with the owners thereof, the like proceedings shall be had and taken as is provided in “An act to provide for the incorporation of railroad companies,” and the acts amendatory thereto; and after the payment or tender of such damages as shall be then ascertained, may enter upon and take the lands so appraised, for the purposes of constructing said canal, harbors, or making the improvement in such river, its fixtures and appurtenances.