In all cases in which a party by law would be entitled to a continuance, the court may, instead of continuing the cause to the next term, postpone the same for thirty days, or such other period as will best subserve the interests of justice. P.L.L., 1888, §166 1915, §311 1927, §311 1930, §311 1938, §403 1949, §230 1969, §22-67 1886, ch. 184 1898, ch. 123, §311