No fine shall be imposed for the violation of any City ordinance or by-law exceeding $100, provided, that when it may be necessary to abate a nuisance the expense of such abatement may be imposed upon the delinquent in addition to said fine. A person who violates any City ordinance or by-law may, on conviction thereof, be imprisoned in the house of correction, at hard labor, for a term not exceeding six months in addition to or in lieu of said fine, in the discretion of the court. A person convicted for violation of any City ordinance or by-law, who shall neglect to pay such fine and costs as the court in its discretion shall adjudge, subject to the limitations herein contained, within 24 hours from the rendition of such judgment, shall be committed to said house of correction under the same regulations and in the same manner as provided by the laws of this State. In addition to such fine for a violation of any such ordinance or by-law, the City may have and maintain an action of tort founded on this statute against any person willfully and maliciously damaging or destroying any of the property of said City, or injuring or corrupting any of the water supply or water works of said City, and may recover treble damages and costs against such person.