On application for a license for establishment of a ferry, where the banks on each side belong to the same person, such person is entitled to the prior right of establishing a ferry; when the banks belong to different persons, the municipal authorities may grant the license at their election to either of such owners making the application. Should any person not the owner of the land on either bank of the river where it is proposed to establish a ferry make application for a license, he shall be required to produce before the municipal authorities a statement in writing from the owner thereof saying that he is not an applicant, and such written statement must appear of record.