All societies, unions or associations of tradesmen or laborers actually existing and conducting their affairs under a constitution or articles of association, may become a body corporate and politic, for the general purposes of this chapter, upon filing of copies of their constitution or articles of the association, society or union, verified by the oath of one of the executive officers of such society, association or union in the office of the Lieutenant Governor and in the division of the District Court where the principal office of such society, union or association is located. All societies, unions and associations, become corporations as above provided, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.