Whenever it shall become necessary from the absence, sickness, resignation or death of any State's Attorney, the several courts of this State shall have power to appoint some competent person to perform the duties of State's Attorney in conducting criminal or civil cases arising or pending in such court until a State's Attorney shall be appointed and qualify, or be able to attend and act in person, as the case may be, and the person so appointed shall receive the same compensation as the State's Attorney.