If at the time of the entry of such judgment, decree or order no receiver shall have been appointed by the court in which the suit is pending, it shall be the duty of the court to appoint a receiver to take charge of, manage, control and operate the property of said railway company, who shall be subject to the order of the court, and possess and exercise all the powers and duties of receivers generally, together with such special powers and duties as the said court shall delegate to him. If at the time of the entry of such judgment, decree or order, a receiver shall have been heretofore appointed, the court may continue him as such receiver, with all the powers and duties as hereinbefore indicated.