Any railroad company heretofore organized, or which may hereafter be organized under the laws of this state, may extend its line of railroad beyond this state into or through any other state or territory, and may acquire any line of railroad within or without this state which shall form a continuous line with the road operated by such company, by direct connection or by bridge, ferry or otherwise, or over any other line or lines constructed, or to be constructed, and which bridge, ferry, line or lines, such company shall have the right, by contract or otherwise, when completed, to use or operate, and may acquire and may hold the obligations and stock of other companies owning or operating any such lines of road, bridge or ferry; provided, that no line of railroad shall be so purchased until a meeting of the stockholders of such company or companies of this state, party or parties to such an agreement, whereby a railroad in this state may be purchased, shall have been called by the directors thereof, at such times and places and in such manner as they shall designate, sixty days’ due notice thereof having been previously given, and the holders of a majority of such stock, by person or proxy, shall have assented thereto, or until a majority of the holders of the stock of such company shall have consented thereto, in writing, and a certificate thereof signed by the president and secretary of said company or companies shall have been filed in the office of the secretary of state.