The votes may be given either personally or by proxies, being shareholders, authorized by writing according to the form in the schedule (F.) to this Act annexed, or in a form to the like effect, under the hand of the shareholder nominating such proxy, or if such shareholder be a corporation, then under their common seal; and every proposition at any such meeting shall be determined by the majority of votes of the parties present, including proxies, the chairman of the meeting being entitled to vote, not only as a principal and proxy, but to have a casting vote if there be an equality of votes.