In the construction of sections 78.010 to 78.420 the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent or repugnant to the context of the statute:
(1) The words "councilman" or "alderman" shall be construed to mean councilman when applied to cities under said sections.
(2) When an "office" or "officer" is named in any law referred to in said sections, it shall, when applied to cities under said sections, be construed to mean the office or officer having the same functions or duties under the provisions of said sections, or under ordinances passed under authority thereof.
(3) The word "franchise" shall include every special privilege in the streets, highways and public places in the city, whether granted by the state or the city, which does not belong to the citizens generally by common right.
(4) The "voters" shall be construed to mean persons qualified to vote for elective offices at municipal elections.