Each subscriber to such articles of association shall subscribe thereto his name and place of residence, and the number of shares of stock taken by him. The said articles shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state, and thereupon the persons who have so subscribed, and all persons who shall, from time to time, become stockholders in said company, by assignment or otherwise, shall be a body corporate by the name specified in such articles, and as such shall be capable of suing and being sued in all courts, purchasing and acquiring all property necessary to be used in the construction and keeping in repair of said canal, or harbor, or improvement, or any works necessary for the same, and may, by such by-laws as shall be adopted by said company, prescribe the manner of calling and conducting the meetings of the stockholders, and shall possess the power and privileges, and be subject to the provisions contained in chapter 55 of the Revised Statutes of 1846, so far as the same shall be applicable, and not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, and shall also have power to issue bonds to the amount of 1/2 the capital paid in, bearing such rates of interest as shall be directed by the board of directors: Provided, That no such bond shall be issued for a less sum than 100 dollars, nor sold at less than the face thereof, without a vote of the stockholders authorizing the same.