No dividend shall be paid by any company incorporated in this State when its capital stock is impaired, or when such payment would have the effect of impairing its capital stock; and any dividend so paid subjects the stockholders receiving it to a joint and several liability to the creditors of said company to the extent of the dividend so paid. (1899, c. 54, s. 31; 1903, c. 536, s. 3; Rev., s. 4736; C.S., s. 6339; 1945, c. 386.)