Right of eminent domain to electric railway companies.

Any electric railway company operating or constructing any line of its railway outside the incorporated limits of cities or towns in this state, whether for the purpose of transporting passengers exclusively or not, shall have the same rights, powers and privileges of eminent domain as are now exercised and enjoyed by all railroad and canal companies in this state, as and with reference to and concerning the condemnation of public and private property for the right-of-way of such railroads and canals, and such electric railway company shall have the right, privilege and authority to condemn and acquire such right-of-way for the construction of its lines in the same manner and by the use of the same process as is now prescribed by the laws of this state for the condemnation of right-of-way for railroads and canals, and each and every one of the laws of the state applying to the condemnation of right-of-way for railroads and canals in this state, shall apply to, govern and control the acquisition of such right-of-way by and for such electric railway companies.