(220 ILCS 55/1) (from Ch. 134, par. 1)
    Sec. 1. That every company heretofore incorporated under any general or special law, or which may be incorporated under any general law of this state for the construction or operation of any telegraph line through or in this state, shall possess the powers and privileges and be subject to the duties, restrictions and liabilities prescribed in this act.
(Source: R.S. 1874, p. 1052.)