When the action is brought by the Attorney General or the district attorney of any county of his own motion, or when directed to do so by competent authority, it shall be prosecuted in the name of the state, but where the action is brought by a person claiming an interest in the office, franchise or corporation, or claiming any interest adverse to the franchise, gift or grant, which is the subject of the action, it shall be prosecuted in the name and under the direction, and at the expense of such persons; whenever the action is brought against a person for usurping an office by the Attorney General or the district attorney, he shall set forth in the petition the name of the person rightfully (entitled) to the office and his right or title thereto; when the action in such case is brought by the person claiming title, he may claim and recover any damage he may have sustained.
R.L. 1910, § 4921.