The rights of regulating the kind of power to be used in the city in propelling cars on and along railroads, and the speed of the same, together with the price of the license or tax to be paid therefor, shall not, by virtue of any grant or contract, be construed to mean that such right passes to the grantee; but such rights, together with all other powers vested in the mayor or city council for the regulating, controlling or removing of railroads within the city are expressly retained and reserved. (Prior code § 35-2-8)