Each circuit court and every other court of record now existing, or which may hereafter be established, having jurisdiction to try or hear suits in chancery or actions at law, may from time to time appoint not more than four commissioners in chancery or for stating accounts, except that the circuit court of any county the population of which exceeds thirty thousand and is less than fifty thousand may appoint not more than six of such commissioners, and that the circuit court of any county the population of which exceeds fifty thousand may appoint not more than eight of such commissioners, who shall be removable at its pleasure, with power to take depositions and to swear and examine witnesses and to certify their testimony. The judge of any court empowered to appoint commissioners in chancery or for stating accounts may in vacation appoint such commissioners with as much effect as if appointed by the court, and they shall have like powers.