CHICAGO » A standing ovation united a divided Democratic National convention for two minutes last night.

The man honored was U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii. Delegations from state after state came to their feet to pay a warm and unusual tribute to him as he concluded a strenuous day as chairman of the convention.

Since he had just presided over a bitter and divisive credentials fight the tribute from delegates on both sides of the fray was particularly moving.

It was warmer and deeper, in fact, than the applause that greeted his well-accepted keynote address Monday night.

"For the past 24 hours, I have been most honored to be your chairman, "Inouye told the delegates as he prepared to yield the chair to Carl Albert, the permanent chairman.

"I shall forever cherish this thrilling experience. I thank you very much."

First there was applause for Inouye, then the delegations began one by one to stand to pay him special honor.

His single arm had swung the gavel high and pounded it hard at times.

His baritone voice had rung his rulings unemotionally and clearly through the hall. He had told some delegate, fighting over seats: "The world is watching. Let’s act like adults."

But he had leaned over backward to recognize all who wanted recognition and to see there was no suggestion of "railroading" or rules abuse during his tenure at the podium.

It was a tenure that turned out to be both longer and more tumultuous than most temporary chairmen experienced.

It stretched over 25 hours, and not 24 in actual time, and included nearly 10 hours of floor sessions.

It involved four crucial roll calls — all viewed to some extent as tests between the rival factions at the convention, all won by the Hubert Humphrey group which Inouye supports.

But no victories were laid to unfair action by the charm. Not even the heavy gavel that brought the convention to adjournment at 2:40 a.m. yesterday in the middle of a tumultuous Georgia delegation credentials fight was challenged.